13 inspirational quotes to inspire women to be vocal and fearless

The #MeToo campaign is a prime example of two things: one is how women have for years not spoken about something that has deeply abused and hurt them, and second, it has shown what happens when women break their silence and be fearless.

Being vocal and fearless plays out at multiple levels – in our relationships, at our workplaces, in public spaces, and most importantly, in our conversations with the self. When you take that first step to speak up against the gender pay-gap or sexual abuse, or don’t back down when someone pushes you back from succeeding, you may feel lost and lonely and even afraid. But it is only through being fearless that women have in the past changed the course of their life, and even the course of history for other women. From Rosa Parks to Malala Yousafzai, women have shown they are fearless. Here is how you can take inspiration from them to be fearless and vocal:

“Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic self. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach, Author and Philanthropist

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel, Entrepreneur and Fashion Designer

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” – Melinda Gates, Philanthropist

“And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk more.” – Erica Jong, Novelist and Poet

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” – Mary Kay Ash, Businesswoman

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, Politician, Diplomat, and Activist

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely, Billionaire Entrepreneur

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” – Madeleine Albright, Politician and Diplomat

“A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want.” – Madonna, Artist

“Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth and everything else will come.” – Ellen DeGeneres, Activist, Producer, and TV Host

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand, Author

Don’t let the world bring you down. Have faith in yourself and your abilities, and set out to make a mark with your life. There’s a world of possibility out there – go ahead and seize it.