Top Inspirational Feminist Quotes of All Time

Every day, women are forced to fight for equal rights and must speak up to make their voices heard. Every woman is a feminist if she believes in her right to equality as a human being. Inspirational feminists include prominent leaders in politics, film, music, and social justice such as Michelle Obama and Maya Angelou. Thankfully, these powerful women have used their platforms in a positive way and have given a voice to every woman by speaking loud and proud for equality. Women can accomplish great things if we all choose to support one another. The future is undoubtedly female! Here are some of the top inspirational feminist quotes of all time and the deeper meanings behind them.

"To all the little girls who are watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams." — Hillary Clinton in her 2016 concession speech

Hillary Clinton’s concession speech after losing the 2016 Presidential election to Donald Trump was heart-wrenching for many women around the country, but it was also extremely touching, and it made the list for one of the top inspirational feminist quotes of all time. Clinton knew that, amid her loss, many young women would be reminded that she was so close to becoming the first woman president, and yet she failed. She wanted to remind young girls everywhere that regardless of her loss, women can accomplish so many great things. Every woman is valuable, capable, powerful, and deserving. Without a doubt, there were thousands of women throughout the country who shed tears as Clinton spoke these words. It is undeniable that Clinton is one of the most inspirational feminist women in the United States and in the world for her many great accomplishments to date.

"The more I have spoken about feminism, the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop." — Emma Watson

Emma Watson, an actress who is an inspirational feminist both in real life and in her most prominent role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, consistently shines with her feminist quotes to the public. One of her top inspirational feminist quotes of all time talks about the constant stigma that every woman who is a feminist is also a man-hater. Emma Watson wants to stop this idea that women who fight for themselves and for equality are also fighting against men, because it simply isn’t true. Feminism is not about bringing men down, but bringing women up to an equal level with men. Watson is using her platform to explain an important point, and in turn, has become one of the most famous feminist celebrities of our time.

"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." — Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde, famous African American feminist and writer in the 1900s, spoke bravely on issues of gender, sexuality, and race throughout her life. One of the top feminist quotes of all time was spoken by Lorde when she said that she is not free if any woman remains unfree. Lorde identified with all women regardless of how different their struggles may have been. Every woman was one woman in her mind. Lorde was an extremely inspirational feminist, because regardless of being an African American who was oppressed, she did not oppress others. She fought for the equality of all women and all people.

"I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back." ― Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is arguably one of the most inspirational feminists of our generation. She is the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and an advocate for female education in Pakistan. Malala speaks for every woman in her country who are oppressed by the Taliban. This feminist quote by Malala is one of the top inspirational feminist quotes of all time because Malala was shot by the Taliban and survived. She continues to speak out and fight against her oppressors. She will not be held back.

"I want every little girl who's told she's bossy to be told instead she has leadership skills." — Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and one of the most inspirational feminists in the world, because she is in one of the most powerful positions in the world. Her platform is huge, and she uses it to speak for every woman out there and portrays top inspirational feminist quotes like this one that have a deeper meaning. Sandberg wants young girls to become feminists and realize their worth. She wants them to be secure in who they are and be proud of their leadership skills. Being bossy or bitchy is not a bad thing. Women in power need to be proud. Women can accomplish incredible things.

“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” — Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf is a writer from the late 1800s, making her one of the most famous feminists throughout history. She was an inspirational feminist, and one of her top inspirational feminist quotes of all time was, “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” This refers to the fact that so many sayings have anonymous at the end, but the truth is, women are behind a lot of the world’s greatest ideas. Our past has been so patriarchal, though, that men were afraid to give women credit. Our future, however, is female. Women refuse to be silent and invisible from here on out.

"A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt, one of our great first ladies, said one of the top inspirational feminist quotes of all time when she compared a woman to a tea bag. It is true that a woman doesn’t know how strong she is until she is tested to her limits, a.k.a, put in hot water. Women can accomplish great things when they are challenged. As feminists, we must challenge ourselves to our full potential to be our best.

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." —Michelle Obama

Another one of our prominent first ladies, Michelle Obama is also an inspirational feminist. She represents every woman in our generation and one of her top inspirational feminist quotes of all time is simply put. She says, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” There is nothing truer than this statement. Women are just as capable as men. Women can accomplish anything we want. We are limitless. The power is in our hands.

"A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men." ― Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem is famous for being both a writer and an inspirational feminist of her day. One of her top inspirational feminist quotes of all time defines what it means to be a feminist. She explains that being a feminist means recognizing equality of both women and men. Feminism is not just about women, it is about everyone. Many people do not realize this. Feminism is about humanity.

"I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me." ― Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a prominent African American writer and Civil Rights activist throughout the 1900s. Not only did she fight for African American rights, but she fought for women’s rights as well, cementing her as one of the best feminist writers of the 20th century. One of the top inspirational feminist quotes of all time was her quote saying, “I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” Angelou worded this phrase so beautifully and portrayed the idea that as a woman, she is a phenomenal creation. Just to be a woman is something to be treasured and celebrated.

These inspirational feminists spoke such great words and many continue to use their platforms to support women’s rights and feminism. All women should do their part to support the cause, fight for equality, and stand up for what’s right.