March 8th is International Women’s Day, and in a world where the need for equality is more prevalent than ever, we need all the inspiration and motivation we can get to make our lives better, bolder, and more powerful. To celebrate the day in all its fullest and inspire you throughout the whole year, we present some amazing quotes said by brilliant women throughout history, who helped make a difference and transform the world into a better place.
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
— Oprah Winfrey, TV journalist
Oprah is a successful TV journalist and philanthropist who has been inspiring people for decades. Through her talk shows and books, she has been an important role model for black women, breaking down many invisible barriers, shaping cultural trends, and promoting many important causes.
"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood."
— Marie Curie, physicist
Marie Curie was a physicist and a chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity, directed the world’s first studies into the treatment of neoplasm, and even discovered two elements. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first and only to win it twice.
”Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.“
—Mae Jemison, astronaut
Mae Jemison is an engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut, being the first African-American woman to travel in space. She holds nine honorary doctorates in science, engineering, letters, and the humanities and she has founded a company to research the application of technology to daily life.
“You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.”
—Diane von Furstenberg, fashion designer
Diane von Furstenberg is a fashion designer, listed as the 68th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. She is the director of The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, which provides support to non-profit organizations in the area of community building, education, human rights, and the environment. The foundation supports the "DVF Awards" - which she will host next month - presented annually to women who display leadership, strength, and courage in their commitment to women's causes.
“The more I study, the more insatiable do I feel my genius for it to be.”
— Ada Lovelace, mathematician
Ada Lovelace was the world’s first computer programmer back in early 1800’s, being an important technology visionaire. Her passion for science led her to study and write important work that later critically inspired the development on first modern computers. Her thwarted potential and vision made her a powerful symbol for women in technology. She even has her own annual international day celebrating the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and math.
“You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right."
— Aung San Suu Kyi, politician
Aung San Suu Kyi is a politician, diplomat, human rights activist, and author of Freedom From Fear. She has won many awards in her life, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
“I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
— Mother Teresa
Mother Theresa was a Roman Catholic nun who devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute around the world. She is the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation of women dedicated to helping those in great need. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and today she is known in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."
— Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is a lawyer and writer, who was the first African-American First Lady. She is considered to be a role model for women, and an advocate for poverty awareness, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating, with many successful projects. In her public life she has given many powerful speeches, inspiring and motivating people throughout the world.
"Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It's about knowing and accepting who you are."
— Ellen DeGeneres, comedian
Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian and writer, currently hosting her own TV talk show. She has been recognized with many awards for her charitable efforts, recently receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. She supports countless charities and foundations, advocating human rights with many successful projects and campaigns.
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
— Golda Meir, politician
Golda Meir was a teacher, politician and was elected Prime Minister of Israel, being the world’s fourth and Israel’s first and only woman to hold such an office. She has been described as the “Iron Lady” of Israeli politics, and also considered to be "strong-willed, straight-talking, grey-bunned grandmother of the Jewish people".
This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme is Be Bold For Change, so take the message home and don’t be afraid to be fierce and show the world who you are. Let us celebrate this special day and all the others with these extraordinary thoughts and fill our lives with kindness, optimism and strength.