Women who inspire inclusion champion the idea that everyone deserves a seat at the table, regardless of gender. They are the ones who actively work to break down barriers and create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. They also give true meaning to the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
So, it’s really heartening — and rather exciting — that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) is Inspire Inclusion.
Celebrated on March 8 every year, International Women’s Day has been observed for centuries — since the early 1900s. It’s a story that inspires inclusion for all. It is also hugely important in terms of the growth and acceptance of gender equality.
The IWD website tells the story as it happened. From a time when women’s oppression and inequality spurred women to campaign for change, we see more women in every sphere of life. There is “an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life.” But women still haven’t reached 100% equality.
“The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.”
IWD
This year’s theme, Inspire Inclusion, aims to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion. “And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.”
Why Does it Matter for Women to Inspire Inclusion?
History shows us how important it is for women to inspire inclusion. The United Nations acknowledges that since IWD was first celebrated, it has become a growing international women’s movement.
There are a myriad of diverse outcomes. Here are just a few.
Diverse Perspectives Lead to Better Outcomes
When women from different backgrounds and experiences are included, it brings a wider range of ideas and perspectives to the table. This can lead to more creative solutions, better decision-making, and a more innovative environment.
Role Models Pave the Way for Others
Seeing successful women who advocate for inclusion inspires younger generations to pursue their own goals and challenge the status quo.
Stronger, More Equitable and Inclusive Workplaces
When women are included, workplaces become fairer and more representative of society. This can lead to a more positive and productive work environment for everyone.
A Ripple Effect of Change
Women who inspire inclusion don’t just advocate for themselves, they advocate for others as well. They mentor, support, and empower other women, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
International Women’s Day 2024
Before you start saying Happy International Women’s Day to your friends, colleagues, and clients, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the theme for International Women’s Day 2024. After all, it’s different (albeit as important) every year.
We’ve already said that the theme is Inspire Inclusion. But why?
IWD quotes the world-renowned feminist and activist, Gloria Steinem saying: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
That means that every woman reading this post has a role to play in terms of inspiring inclusivity.
“To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavor.”
IWD
So get out there and say “Happy International Women’s Day” to everyone — whether you know them or not!
50 Inspiring International Women’s Day Quotes
Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day with some inspirational quotes about inclusion. Because we are 100% inclusive, we have included some quotes from men. Ultimately, all these quotes illustrate how important it is to inspire inclusion!
Pioneering the Path for Inclusion
Quotes about breaking barriers and leading change:
- “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- “Women are the real architects of society.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
- “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
- “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” – Hillary Clinton
- “She believed she could, so she did.” – R.S. Grey
- “There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself.” – Hannah Gadsby
- “Doubt is a killer. You just have to know what you stand for and go for it.” – Venus Williams
- “In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Owning Your Voice
Quotes about confidence, strength, and empowerment:
- “Women are the real superheroes.” – Vanessa Paradis
- “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” – Melinda Gates
- “Women are the glue that holds everything together.” – Jada Pinkett Smith
- “A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.” – Maya Angelou
- “Women are the heartbeat of humanity.” – DJ Cuppy
- “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
- “Strong women don’t have ‘attitudes’, we have standards.” – Marilyn Monroe
- “Girls should never be afraid to be smart.” – Emma Watson
- “There’s nothing a man can do, that I can’t do better and in heels.” – Ginger Rogers
- “She who overcomes her fears will truly be free.” – Edna Pontellier
- “The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description.” – Steve Maraboli
Championing Change and Equality
Quotes about fighting for inclusion and women’s rights
- “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” – Verna Myers
- “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel
- “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher
- “Extremists have shown what frightens them most. A girl with a book.” – Malala Yousafzai
- “There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.” – W.E.B. Dubois
- “I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.” – Mary Shelley
- “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde
- “Organize, agitate, educate, must be our war cry.”– Susan B. Anthony
- “Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson
- “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” – Margaret Fuller
Strength and Resilience
Quotes about the inherent strength of women
- “A strong woman looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.” – Gina Carey
- “Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” – Nancy Reagan
- “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
- “The challenge is not to be perfect… it’s to be whole.” – Jane Fonda
- “A strong woman understands that gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.” – Nancy Rathburn
- “Where there is a woman there is magic.” Ntozake Shange
- “I will always be the girl who believed she could make it to the moon, in a world that still debates whether girls should have an education and whether women should have reproductive rights.” – Alaa Murabit
- “Women are the backbone of any society.” – Diane Mariechild
Lifting Each Other Up
Quotes about collaboration, support, and sisterhood
- “We are greater than, and greater for, the sum of us.” – Madeleine Albright
- “How wrong it is for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants rather than to create it herself.” – Anais Nin
- “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” – Serena Williams
- “The worst thing that we can do as women is not stand up for each other, and this is something we can practice every day, no matter where we are and what we may believe, it is both possible and, more importantly, it becomes powerful to come together in common purpose and common effort.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “We need to get women to the point where they aren’t apologizing. It’s time to take ownership in our success.” – Tori Burch
Redefining Femininity
Quotes about embracing your feminine uniqueness and challenging stereotypes
- “You don’t have to play masculine to be a strong woman.” – Mary Elizabeth Winstead
- “There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” – Rihanna
- “When the world tells you to shrink, expand.” – Yoko Ono
- “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm
- “I do not believe in using women in combat, because females are too fierce.” – Margaret Mead
- “Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.” – Viola Davis
- “Why be a star when you can make a constellation?” – Octavia Butler
Cerkl Broadcast Can Help You Send These International Women’s Day Quotes
Are you inspired to inspire? If so you can celebrate International Women’s Day in style, with our International Women’s Day quotes. To make it easier for you, try using the versatile Cerkl Broadcast platform that offers inspirational Email Blasts. They are a great way to send engaging messages to show appreciation towards female employees every day of the week, month, or year.
Cerkl Broadcast also enables communicators to send personalized employee newsletters where you can say Happy International Women’s Day, happy birthday, or just “have a good day!” You can also share your favorite inspirational quotes. Or, you can simply tell your employees — regardless of gender or race — that they matter to you.
At Cerkl, we recognize that in diverse, inclusive workplaces men and women have equal rights.
What’s Next?
Ultimately, you need to have a good internal communication platform if you intend to say “Happy International Women’s Day” to more than a few friends. Furthermore, since we’re talking about gender equality and inclusion on International Women’s Day, it’s a good idea to evaluate your levels of DEI in your communication strategy as a whole.
We’ve got a four-step planning guide we’d love you to use. It’s free, and you can access it right here and now.
