From the time we’re born, we’re taught that girls and boys are different. We see it everywhere: the baby clothes aisle where one side is pink and the other side blue, the toy store where the trucks and dinosaurs are kept separate from the dolls and art supplies, the tea parties that boys don’t get invited to and the baseball teams that girls get cut from. And it’s easy for kids to let it seep into their everyday lives.
Fortunately, things are changing, but there’s still so much work to do — especially when it comes to leveling the playing field for girls. Since every little boost counts, we’ve rounded up some words of wisdom from authors, actors, athletes, comedians, activists, musicians and politicians that will help girls empower themselves to defy gender expectations.
Here, 20 girl power quotes worthy of a spot on any little girl’s (or boy’s) bedroom wall.
1. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama, lawyer and former first lady of the United States
This applies to both the individual woman and what we can accomplish when we come together as women.
2. “It’s never overreacting to ask for what you want and need.” — Amy Poehler, actress, comedian, director, producer and writer
Women often get perceived as “dramatic” when they’re really just communicating their needs, but men usually aren’t framed this way when they ask for what they want and need.
3. “I believe women and minorities often wait for permission to be invited to something; we need to stop doing that.” — Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota congresswoman
It’s a waste of time to wait to be invited, especially into politics. Take matters into your own hands and step up to run for office, or to run the world, whichever.
4. “You don’t have to love me, but you damn well have to respect me.” — Toni Morrison, novelist and essayist
This is a good reminder that everyone has the right to demand respect.
5. “Be fearless in pursing your dreams, even if they seem impossible.” — Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie reminds us that just because people say you can’t, doesn’t mean you can’t.
6. “It is not about being the ‘first’ or the ‘only’… It’s about creating a pathway for the girls coming up.” — Justine Siegal, American baseball coach and sports educator
Justine Siegal may have been the first woman to throw batting practice to a Major League Baseball team, but she focuses all her work on providing opportunities for young girls to play ball, too.
7. “I only have to follow my heart and concentrate on what I want to say to the world. I run my world.” — Beyoncé, singer and songwriter
We’re taught that prioritizing yourself is inherently bad, but putting yourself and your values first is important to creating the world you want to live in.
8. “It’s not your job to be likable. It’s your job to be yourself. Someone will like you anyway.” — Chimamanda Adichie, writer
Worrying about whether or not people like you will attract the wrong kind of people. Be yourself, and the people that belong in your life will like you because of it.
9. “Always remember the most important rule of beauty, which is: Who cares?” — Tina Fey, actress, comedian, writer and producer
When you find yourself spiraling over a little imperfection, take a step back and remember: No one cares about that little thing nearly as much as you do.
10. “If one man can destroy everything, why can’t one girl change it?” — Malala Yousafzai, activist and Nobel Prize laureate
Though power is often used for destruction, recognizing that everyone has power inherent within them allows us to harness that power for good.
11. “I was made exactly the way I was meant to be made in who I am …” — Megan Rapinoe, professional soccer player
You don’t have to live your life trying to live up to other people’s expectations. You were made to be who you are.
12. “My beauty is not about how I look. My beauty is about my heart and soul.” — Laverne Cox, actress and LGBTQ+ advocate
Outer beauty means nothing if your inner beauty doesn’t match.
13. “When you can’t find someone to follow, you have to find a way to lead by example.” — Roxane Gay, writer and professor
Just because it’s never been done before doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It just means you have to make it a possibility for yourself.
14. “It’s really important for us to be unapologetic. To be bold. To be brave. To take huge risks.” — Awkwafina, actress
You can’t accomplish anything worthwhile without a little bit of bravery.
15. “People want what they want. Sometimes you have to walk in defiance of it and just be yourself.” — Meryl Streep, actress
You’re not going to be able to change everybody’s mind, but that shouldn’t stop you from continuing to express yourself.
16. “I love women who don’t ask ‘Is that OK?’ after everything they say.” — Mindy Kaling, comedian, actress and writer
Be unapologetic when it comes to your values and skills. It shouldn’t matter if others approve.
17. “You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” — Shonda Rhimes, TV producer and TV and film writer
This applies well to the gender binary. When we get caught up in what women are supposed to be and do, we waste time we could be spending enjoying life.
18. “Don’t feel stupid if you don’t like what everyone else pretends to love.” — Emma Watson, actress and activist
If you’re not into whatever everyone seems to be into, don’t worry. A lot of them probably don’t really like it that much in the first place.
19. “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” — Dolly Parton, singer and songwriter
Don’t just be yourself, embrace yourself. Own it. Dolly Parton says so.
20. “You don’t have to be anyone but yourself to be worthy.” — Tarana Burke, civil rights activist
Tarana Burke, founder of the “Me Too” movement, reminds us that every one of us is worthy just the way we are.
