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Rosa Parks after receiving award from president Clinton 1996 Wash. D.C. by John Mathew Smith –

40 Most Famous Quotes By Women And The Stories Behind Them

Women have been breaking glass ceilings since time immemorial, this has been seen across various spaces from politics to entertainment to corporate, activism and entertainment. It is in the course of their journeys that they have acquired pockets of wisdom packaged as quotes, which are the gems that have been used to inspire other women and even generations to come.

These quotes are empowering and encouraging and some even call out traits seen in women that cause them to slack behind their male counterparts. All in all, the quotes come from a good place and experiences of the most inspiring and trailblazing women in the history of the world. In this article, we explore 40 of the most famous quotes by women and the stories behind them.

1. “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” – Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks is best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. The United States Congress has honoured her as “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement.

In 1992, Parks published Rosa Parks: My Story, an autobiography aimed at younger readers, which recounts her life leading to her decision to keep her seat on the bus. Parks was not the first person to resist bus segregation, but the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People believed that she was the best candidate for seeing through a court challenge after her arrest for civil disobedience in violating Alabama segregation laws, and she helped inspire the Black community to boycott the Montgomery buses for over a year.

2. “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt takes to the radio in 1944 –

On entering the White House as first lady, Eleanor signed a contract with the magazine Woman’s Home Companion to provide a monthly column, in which she answered mail sent to her by readers. Roosevelt also began a syndicated newspaper column, titled “My Day”, which appeared six days a week from 1936 to her death in 1962.

Beasley has argued that Roosevelt’s publications, which often dealt with women’s issues and invited reader responses, represented a conscious attempt to use journalism to overcome social isolation for women.

3. “A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” – Gloria Steinem

The easiest interpretation of this quote is that a woman is capable of living a complete and independent life without a man.

A well-known feminist slogan coined in 1970 by the Australian filmmaker, social activist, and writer Irina Dunn, according to her recollection, adapted from the phrase 鈥淎 man needs God like a fish needs a bicycle鈥� which she read in a philosophical text. The original phrase appears to be 鈥淎 man without faith is like a fish without a bicycle鈥�, coined by social-political activist Gloria Steinem.

4. “There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you.” – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou speech for Barack Obama campaign 2008 –

Maya Angelou described her coming-of-age story in what became a critically acclaimed memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The book was published in 1969 when Angelou was 41. She knew the weight of an untold story. She also looked at her life and saw its worth.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was Angelou鈥檚 first book and best-known work, which not only allowed her to reclaim her voice but also cemented her influential status as a poet, author, and activist. She went on to write six more memoirs, seven children鈥檚 books, seven plays, two cookbooks and a number of personal essays and poems.

5. “I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.” – Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft was a famous, eighteenth-century British writer. In the late 1700鈥檚 Wollstonecraft gained much attention as a result of two of her pieces: The Vindication of the Rights of Man and the Vindication of the Rights of Women. Both pieces integrate the evolution of Wollstonecraft鈥檚 anti-slavery and feminist views. Read more about Famous Female Authors who Changed the World. 

The significance of this quote means women shouldn’t have to worry about men all the time or about having power over them. They should focus on their own life and make decisions for themselves, and not rely on men. This quote gives women the confidence to make independent decisions.

6. “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” – Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel sitting at a desk during a visit to Los Angeles by Los Angeles Times –

Coco Chanel was a French fashion designer and businesswoman. The founder and namesake of the Chanel brand, she was credited in the post-World War I era with popularizing a sporty, casual chic as the feminine standard of style.

Coco states that she didn鈥檛 like the life she lived on a daily basis, so she decided to create a new life of her own. A prolific fashion creator, Chanel extended her influence beyond couture clothing, realizing her aesthetic design in jewelry, handbags, and fragrance. 

7. “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – Dolly Parton

Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, known primarily for her decades-long career in country music. After achieving success as a songwriter for others, Parton made her album debut in 1967 with Hello, I’m Dolly, which led to her own success during the remainder of the 1960s.

The meaning of the quote is that it is important to understand what your interests are, and walk into the path that brings you the most happiness. Dolly lived out that quote when she switched from being a songwriter for others and writing songs for herself which led to her success. 

8. “Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.” – Marilyn Monroe

Photo of Marilyn Monroe from the front cover of Screen Fan magazine –

Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer. Long after her death, Monroe remains a major icon of pop culture. She has been written about by scholars and journalists who are interested in gender and feminism.

Monroe in her quote alluded that any ambitious woman would want to be more than equal to their male counterparts, they would strive to have more than that.  Read more Shocking Facts about Marilyn Monroe. 

9. “Women are the real architects of society.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

Stowe was an American author and abolitionist. She wrote 30 books, including novels, three travel memoirs, and collections of articles and letters. She was influential both for her writings and for her public stances and debates on social issues of the day.

Stowe campaigned for the expansion of married women’s rights, arguing that, “Women are the real architects of society.” This quote means that the capacity women have in society is to be architects of change, questioning old practices that are no longer of service to society and advocating for new ones to be put in their place.

10. “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” – Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa Photograph taken at St Aloysius Church 19 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001 June 10, 1995 by Kingkongphoto –

Mother Teresa was admired by many for her charitable work. This is one of her most famous quotes that advocates for making the most out of every day.

Depending on how yesterday was, could affect how we鈥檙e feeling today. But there鈥檚 a danger in looking back, as we might find ourselves looking back. Tomorrow has yet to come means we shouldn鈥檛 focus too much on the future and miss out on the important stepping stones that today has to offer.

11. “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

In this quote, Eleanor challenges everyone to do that thing that they think they cannot do. In this way, you鈥檙e able to gain experience and the courage to face any other challenges that might come your way. 

Eleanor became an advocate for the rights and needs of the poor, minorities, and of the disadvantaged. The public was drawn in by the First Lady’s exploits and adventures which she recounted in her daily syndicated column, “My Day”. She began writing the column in 1935 and continued until her death in 1962.

12. “I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.” – Oprah Winfrey

2011: Oprah at The Cable Show by INTX: The Internet & Television Expo –

Oprah is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show whose theme is the basis of this quote.

By the mid-1990s, Winfrey had reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, mindfulness, and spirituality. Though she has been criticized for unleashing a confession culture, promoting controversial self-help ideas, and having an emotion-centered approach, she has also been praised for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others. Read more amazing facts about Oprah Winfrey. 

13. 鈥淐hampions keep playing until they get it right.鈥� – Billie Jean King

Billie was an American former world tennis player. King was a member of the victorious United States team in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups.To give context to the quote, think of how many people quit playing before they become a champion. If you want to experience more success all you have to do is keep practising, keep playing against better opponents, and keep learning all that you can. 

With enough perseverance, you鈥檒l find that you become a champion because you鈥檝e spent time in the trenches and now you know your game better than anyone else and you are dubbed a champion. This is not just applicable to sports but to several areas of personal development.

14.  鈥淚 believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.鈥� – Audrey Hepburn

Photo of Audrey Hepburn by Bud Fraker –

Audrey Hepburn was a British actress and humanitarian. Known for her captivating performances on screen and her timeless beauty, Audrey left a lasting impact on the world. This quote, in particular, showcases her positive outlook on life and her belief in the power of certain things to make us happier and healthier.

The quote by Audrey Hepburn is a powerful reminder of the importance of positive thinking and self-confidence in our lives. It is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The quote also emphasizes the importance of hope and the belief that things can always change for the better. 

15.  鈥淭he most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.鈥� – Beyonc茅 Knowles

Beyonc茅 is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Beyonc茅 has been noted for her boundary-pushing artistry and her vocal ability.

This quote by Beyonc茅 inspires women to be confident in their ideas, their execution and generally as they go about life. She exhibits this majorly in her show-stopping performances of her music. 

16.  鈥淚 have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.鈥� – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reading at 2013 Fall for the Book by Slowking –

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian writer whose works include novels, short stories and nonfiction. Read more Outstanding Facts about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 

Chimamanda encourages women to stop apologizing for being women. She states that some people might believe in the antiquated ideal that women are seen and not heard. There鈥檚 no need to hide who we are. Women get things done. Where we see failure, there is strength to continue until we succeed. A woman is a force greater than anything.

17. 鈥淚t is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.鈥� – Jane Austen

This quote by Jane Austen in her seminal novel Pride and Prejudice is arguably one of the most famous opening lines in history. Austen introduces the central conceit of the novel, which is its exploration of the society of the time, and the ways in which marriage and wealth drove much of people鈥檚 lives, especially those of young women.

The quote stands as a summary of the entire plot of the novel, which follows the Bennet sisters as they seek love, adventure and advantageous marriages in Regency England society. The quote also hints at the limitations both men and women experienced in this era, as men of means were expected to marry and produce children whether they wanted to or not, and women had limited options for their lives beyond marriage.

18. “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher by Rob Bogaerts –

Margaret Thatcher was a British politician and stateswoman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. This quote was stated during her 1965, speech to the National Union of Townswomen鈥檚 Guilds Conference.

This quote shows that women work around obstacles and any challenges that come their way to get things done.

19. 鈥淟ove cannot be explained, yet it explains all鈥� –   Elif Shafak

Elif is a Turkish novelist famed for her novel The Forty Rules of Love. The book was inspired by her education in Gender and Women鈥檚 Studies. It was published in 2009.

The Forty Rules of Love is centred on love and encourages humanity to have love in thoughts and practice. 鈥淟ove cannot be explained, yet it explains all鈥� is one of the many love quotes in the book. It means people never know how they end up in love. But afterwards, it leaves memories that tell the love story.

20. 鈥淣ot everyone is brave enough to be themselves鈥�- Sonya Lalli

Sonya is of Punjabi and Bengali heritage. This self-love quote is from her novel The Matchmaker鈥檚 List. Raina Anand the protagonist in the book is in a dilemma. 

She is trapped in a modern-day arranged marriage by her grandmother. Raina isn鈥檛 supportive of the marriage but she is afraid of shattering her grandmother鈥檚 wishes. So she wants to be herself but lacks the courage to do that.

21. 鈥淢y mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.鈥� 鈥� Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Ruth was more than just a niche figure that appealed to a particular segment of society. Her message resonated with men and women alike, as well as crossing generations. She even earned the affectionate nickname, The Notorious R.B.G later in her career, which she embraced.

Her quote shows there are fundamental differences between women and men, and these should be embraced. The breakdown of the quote is that we owe it to ourselves, and those that love us, to be true to ourselves and embrace who we are, striving to achieve the greatness that is within the grasp of us all. This is surely the key to personal success and happiness.

22. 鈥淭he success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you鈥檙e very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.鈥� 鈥� Serena Williams

Serena Williams in a 2013 doubles match with Venus Williams by Edwin Martinez –

Serena is considered among the greatest tennis players of all time. Williams also won 14 major women’s doubles titles, all with her sister Venus, and the pair was unbeaten in major doubles finals.

Working closely with her sister may have been her inspiration for the quote which basically states that women should be inspiring to each other and be each other鈥檚 biggest cheerleaders.

23. 鈥淭remendous amounts of talent are being lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.鈥� 鈥� Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman to serve in the United States Congress. During her congressional career, Shirley Chisholm was noted for her support for women’s rights, her advocacy of legislation to benefit those in poverty, and her opposition to the Vietnam war.

This quote shows how women are shortchanged in various careers and platforms, just because they are women. And it鈥檚 a challenge to society in general to look past gender when evaluating people in various capacities.

24. 鈥淚 raise up my voice鈥攏ot so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard鈥� We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.鈥� 鈥� Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai by Southbank Centre –

As the youngest Nobel Laureate ever, Malala Yousafzai is a powerful voice for the oppressed. She advocates for children鈥檚 rights across the world. However, Malala鈥檚 increased prominence came at a cost: she became a target of the Taliban. On October 9, 2012, a masked gunman boarded her school bus, and shot Malala in the head, neck and shoulder. In critical condition, she was flown to the United Kingdom for treatment.

Malala survived the attack and returned to the classroom only a few months after being shot. The attack elicited protests from around the world as people took up Malala鈥檚 cause. The Pakistani government ratified its first Right to Education bill. She continued to speak out against injustice, writing in her 2013 memoir, I Am Malala: The Malala Fund was launched to support education for all girls around the world. Read more Astonishing Facts about Malala Yousafzai. 

25. 鈥淟ove is the most important thing鈥� – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Nigerian author Adichie says that  love is the most important thing. The most necessary human emotion. Not just romantic love. Love is the ability of human beings to connect.

This is a real-life love quote by Chimamanda. She aims at laying out that love between a couple goes beyond romance and the first affection. It鈥檚 about the partner鈥檚 ability to understand and relate well with each other.

26. 鈥淵ou cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.鈥� 鈥� Indira Gandhi

Official portrait of Smt. Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, 3rd prime minister of India by Prime Minister’s Office –

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi was an Indian politician and stateswoman who served as the third prime minister of India. In this quote, Gandhi alludes to trust being crucial in every relationship.

Trust requires that you must set aside your feelings of suspicion and agree to work with people in good faith. Sometimes trust is difficult to attain, yet to live and solve problems with other people, we need to trust them. Trusting others will sometimes lead us into grim disappointment, but it can also restore our faith in people. Trust is a skill and must be practiced over time to see and reap its benefits.

27. 鈥淭hink like a queen. A queen if not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.鈥� 鈥� Oprah Winfrey

Failure can be very gripping to any individual. This quote by Oprah seeks to encourage women that fear of failure should not stand in the way of them trying out different things in life.

Oprah affirms that women who are queens should not be intimidated by failure, but rather use it as a stepping stone to unlock new levels of greatness.

28. 鈥淎lways aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.鈥� 鈥� Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton speaking at an event in Des Moines, Iowa by Gage Skidmore –

Hillary is an American politician and diplomat who served as the 67th United States secretary of state under president Barack Obama.  She was also the democratic presidential nominee in 2016 presidential elections.

Her quote is as simple as can get, and serves as an inspiration to everyone to move past any stumbling blocks you might get in your journey and keep going until you win in the end.

29. 鈥淟ove is fine to sing about鈥� –  Ama Ata Aidoo

The Ghanaian novelist pens this argument in her book Changes: A Love Story. In her exact words, she says, 鈥淟ove? Love? Love is not safe, my lady silk, love is dangerous. It is deceitfully sweet like wine from a fresh palm tree at dawn. Love is fine for singing about and love songs are good to listen to, sometimes even to dance to.鈥� 

With this quote, she gives an analogy of love as a risk and only good to be sung in songs but not to be experienced firsthand. This however is just based off her personal experiences and can be untrue for many individuals.

30. 鈥淭here’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.鈥� 鈥� Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama speaking at a Hillary Clinton rally at Southern New Hampshire University by Tim Pierce –

Michelle Obama who served as the first African American first lady published her best selling memoir titled Becoming after her retirement. In this book, she recounts her life story from being a little girl to being the first lady of the United States of America.

One of her quotes from this book states, 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about being perfect. It鈥檚 not about where you get yourself in the end. There鈥檚 power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there鈥檚 grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become.鈥� This translates to her encouraging people to be the best version and most authentic selves. Read more remarkable Facts about Michelle Obama. 

31. 鈥淔riendship has splendors that love knows not鈥�- Mariama B芒

Friendship has splendors that love knows not. It grows stronger when crossed, whereas obstacles kill love. Friendship resists time, which wearies and severs couples. It has heights unknown to love.

These words from the novel So Long a Letter contrasts friendship and love. Further, it alludes that friendship goes to an extent that love is limited to reach.

32. 鈥淧ursuing peace means rising above one’s own wants, needs, and emotions.鈥� 鈥� Benazir Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto by Oliver Mark –

Benazir Bhutto was the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto was loved by the people of her nation. Her courage was her uniqueness. She was generous and worked to remove poverty from the nation.

This quote is sourced from one of her memoirs where she states, 鈥淧eace is most often seen as resolving struggles between individuals. More broadly, finding peace means resolving struggles between ideologies, religions, and cultures. As the first woman leader of an Islamic nation, peace has been for me first and foremost resolving a struggle between the sexes. I dare say that families have been more peaceful than nations. Women leaders have had to pay a high price.鈥欌��

33. 鈥淟ove generally is a scary thing鈥� – Oksana Zabuzhko

The Ukrainian creative shares her view in the novel The Museum of Abandoned Secrets. Her exact words, 鈥渟ometimes I get a bit scared鈥攍ove generally is a scary thing, happy love no less than unhappy, only for some reason no one ever talks about that.鈥� 

Oksana expresses the fear of loving. Happy or unhappy love has equal dimensions of challenges in this context.

34. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 make progress by standing on the sidelines whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.鈥� 鈥� Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm by Thomas J. O’Halloran –

Shirley Anita Chisholm was an American politician who, in 1968, became the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress.

This quote was a call to action for people who are unhappy with what they see around them. She challenged everyone to stop complaining and make use of the ideas with them to make significant progress around them.

35. 鈥淐hange happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.鈥� 鈥� Jane Goodall

Goodall is an English primatologist and anthropologist. She is considered the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, after 60 years studying the social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees.

The inspiration of this quote were the interactions in her career where she noted that using your voice as a tool for change was impactful.

36. 鈥淲e cannot solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis. And if solutions within the system are so impossible to find, then maybe we should change the system itself鈥� 鈥� Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg by Stefan M眉ller –

Greta has become the face of the growing youth movement demanding global climate action. She has been making headlines all around the world, particularly after her passionate speech at the UN General Assembly.

In this quote, she alludes that sometimes we just simply have to find a way. The moment we decide to fulfil something, we can do anything. Humans are very adaptable and can still fix the climate problem. But the opportunity to do so will not last for long. We must start today. We have no more excuses. Read more Interesting facts about Greta Thunberg. 

37. 鈥淚f you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.鈥� 鈥� Maya Angelou

This quote in its simplicity means, It is one of the common traits of human psychology that you don鈥檛 like everything. In that case, if you don鈥檛 like something you should try to change it. 

However, there is a possibility that you will fail to change that thing. When this happens, you don鈥檛 have to get disheartened about your failure. In that case, what you have to do is to change your attitude towards it. You have to accept the fact that you cannot change that thing. It will bring inner peace to your heart, and it will make you happy.

38. 鈥淚 attribute my success to this 鈥� I never gave or took any excuse.鈥� Florence Nightingale 

Florence Nightingale by Henry Hering –

Nightingale was an English social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing. Her quote states that you should never accept blame or blame others. You should always take responsibility for your actions. Realize that outcome is the result of an action.

It goes on to add that excuses solve nothing; they are pointless. Excuses cannot be the answer to failure. The best thing to do when a failure occurs is to accept responsibility. That鈥檚 the first step to making change.

Read more interesting facts about Florence Nightingale. 

39. 鈥淚f your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.鈥� Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is Liberian politician and economist who was president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She was the first woman to be elected head of state of an African country.

She said this quote as a 360th Commencement speaker at Harvard University. She stated that, The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. If you start off with a small dream, you may not have much left when it is fulfilled because along the way, life will task your dreams and make demands on you.

40. 鈥淔ind out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for it.鈥� Katharine Whitehorn

Katharine Elizabeth Whitehorn was a British journalist, columnist, author and radio presenter. She was the first woman to have a column in The Observer, and the first female rector of a university in Scotland.

When asked, she stated the best career advice to give to the young is, ‘Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it. ‘