It’s International Women’s Day, and just like every year, women are forced to use it not only to celebrate ladies, but call out the work that still needs to be done.
In a world that still has pay gaps between the genders; still treats women as second-class citizens; where sexism is rampant; where rape culture still exists; where ‘feminism’ is still a dirty word, it can seem like women’s voices are being silenced every day.
But we’re still speaking out, being badass and fighting the power every day – and there’s plenty of famous women joining the cause.
From the women of the Time’s Up and #MeToo campaigns, to those who fight against ageism in the music and movie industry, to those who maintain their right to have sex appeal – there are countless inspiring ladies in showbiz who are battling for equality.
And this International Women’s Day, we’ve picked out some of the best quotes from some of the baddest women in the biz.
Serena Williams
(After being asked about being considered one of the greatest female athletes of all time ‘Well, I prefer the words “one of the greatest athletes of all time”.’
Amandla Stenberg
‘When you are a marginalized person or a woman of color and/or someone who’s a part of the LGBTQ community, your acts become politicized, just by being yourself.’ (From Interview magazine)
Shonda Rhimes
‘It’s not trailblazing to write the world as it actually is. Women are smart and strong. They are not sex toys or damsels in distress.’
Kerry Washington
‘You just know, you have to be twice as good. In a way, until girls don’t have that feeling, we will not have done our jobs. That’s almost the point: to not feel the pressure to be extraordinary.’ (From Entertainment Weekly)
Adele
(When asked whether her husband minds her not shaving her legs for a month) ‘He has no choice. I’ll have no man telling me to shave my fucking legs. Shave yours.’ (From Vanity Fair)
Beyonce
‘I’m not really sure people know or understand what a feminist is, but it’s very simple. It’s someone who believes in equal rights for men and women.’
Ariana Grande
(On being referred to as Big Sean’s ex-girlfriend) ‘I am tired of living in a world where women are mostly referred to as a man’s past, present or future property/possession. I…do not. belong. to anyone. but myself. and neither do you.’
Jennifer Lawrence
‘I’m over trying to find the “adorable’ way to state my opinion and still be likable! Fuck that. I don’t think I’ve ever worked for a man in charge who spent time contemplating what angle he should use to have his voice heard. It’s just heard.’ (From Lenny Letter)
Madonna
‘Age is only brought up with regard to women. It’s connected to sexism, chauvinism and misogyny. When Leonardo is 60 years old, no one is going to talk about his relevance. Am I relevant as a female in this society that hates women? Well, to people who are educated and are not chauvinists or misogynists, yes.’ (From Billboard)
Emma Watson
(Addressing criticism over a semi-topless shoot with Vanity Fair) ‘Feminism is about giving women choice. It’s not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom. It’s about liberation. It’s about equality. I really don’t know what my tits have to do with it.’
Amber Rose
‘No one gives a fuck that Channing Tatum was a stripper. He’s an established actor who’s at the Vanity Fair parties and the Oscars, but for me, no matter how far I go in my life, I see these stories that keep referring to me as a ‘”former stripper”. No one says “former stripper” about Channing Tatum, or “former McDonald’s worker” about Brad Pitt. No one does that to men.’
Laverne Cox
‘Trans rights are women’s rights. I’m a woman but I’m also trans. It’s about always including trans voices in discussions about women’s rights.’
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