Adams Media - I Am a Feminist: Quotes That Empower

Empowered. Motivated. Inclusive.

Feminist.

Todays feminists are not afraid to speak their minds and let the world know what they want. And whether theyre fighting for equality, looking to break through the glass ceiling, or trying to change the world, you can bet theyre telling everyone who will listenand some who wontexactly what they believe in.

Here youll find 200 quotes from a variety of past and present voices who will inspire, motive, and galvanize you to join the movement and add your voice to the fray, including:

• Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Women will have achieved true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.
• Susan B. Anthony: I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand.
• Beyonc: Your self-worth is determined by you. You dont have to depend on someone telling you who you are.

And todays feminism isnt just by women, for women anymoreand neither are the quotes throughout this book. Today men from all different walks of lifefrom Joss Whedon, John Legend, and Prince Harry to Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bernie Sanders, and Barack Obamaare speaking up to show their support for their mothers, wives, daughters, friends, and women theyve never even met.

Let the words of these men and women empower you... and add your words to this important conversation.

I am a woman and when I think, I must speak.

Beyonc, pop star

My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, associate justice, U.S. Supreme Court

The only advice I ever give women is: we want to support each other without distracting each other.

Mindy Kaling, actor and author

I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.

Michelle Obama, first lady of the United States

I think its like a disease that needs to be cured. And we could eradicate polio, I dont see why we cant eradicate misogyny.

Alan Alda, actor

A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.

Gloria Steinem, activist

Dont allow men who hate women to define feminism as women who hate men.

John Marcotte, activist

Confidence lets you pull anything off, even Tevas with socks.

Lena Dunham, actor and author

Women hold up half the sky

Chinese proverb

Let us no longer be imprisoned and defined by gender stereotypes or any stereotypes. Let us be defined by our individual actions, kindness, and decency to others. At the end of day, regardless of who you are, each and every individual deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Equality of the sexes is not merely an idea, but a birth-given right.

Rowan Blanchard, actor

I have a brain and a uterus, and I use both.

Patricia Schroeder, Colorados first female member of Congress

I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat or a prostitute.

Rebecca West, author, journalist, and literary critic

Im a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, Thats me.

Maya Angelou, author

So, my unsolicited advice to women in the workplace is this: When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question: Is this person in between me and what I want to do? If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. Your energy is better used doing your work and outpacing people that way. Then, when youre in charge, dont hire the people who were jerky to you.

Tina Fey, actor and author

It is starting to dawn on all women that it is time to forget about trying to compete with men who, with their blunders, have shown us that they have not been doing such a great job. Why try to equate ourselves with such flawed power?

Yoko Ono, artist, musician, activist

There cannot be true democracy unless womens voices are heard. There cannot be true democracy unless women are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own lives. There cannot be true democracy unless all citizens are able to participate fully in the lives of their country.

Hillary Clinton, former secretary of state of the United States and presidential candidate

Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.

Amelia Earhart, pilot

Womanhood is a whole different thing from girlhood. Girlhood is a gift... Womanhood is a choice.

Tori Amos, musician

I think you have to take the approach that feminism is ultimately about freedom.

Tavi Gevinson, author

Girls see these defined roles theyre supposed to follow in life, but when I was a young child, my parents told me I could be anything.

Joan Jett, musician

I only want to be acknowledged for having worked hard to build an equally significant audience and fan base to those of my peers. I believe the success of any woman should never be qualified by her gender.

Chelsea Handler, comedian

Quite frankly I talk about the fact that Im a feminist as often as I can, and every time I do it gets huge reaction and media reacts and the Twitterverse explodes and things like that, because here I am saying Im a feminist. I will keep saying that until there is no more reaction to that when I say it, because thats where we want to get to.

Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada

Whether its nature, nurture, labels, or all of the above, there are certain traits that are traditionally associated with being a female. We are often called sensitive, emotional and non-confrontational. Hey ladies, guess what? These all go into the pro column!

Kristen Bell, actor

I would have girls regard themselves not as adjectives but nouns.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American suffragist

Im for gender equality because it shouldve never been any other way!

Hugh Jackman, actor

Im a feminist because I believe in women... its a heavy word, feminism, but its not one I think we should run from. Im proud to be a feminist.