March 1 marks the first day of Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to commemorate and celebrate the accomplishments of women that have contributed to society and the women’s rights movement. From Susan B. Anthony to Sojourner Truth to Gloria Steinem, suffragists and activists have made their mark on history in their mission to achieving equality.
In light of the month-long recognition of women, here are 10 inspirational quotes by figures that have spearheaded women’s rights issues and the quest for social justice:
“I never doubted that equal rights was the right direction. Most reforms, most problems are complicated. But to me there is nothing complicated about ordinary equality.” — Alice Paul
“Whatever the theories may be of woman’s dependence on man, in the supreme moments of her life, he cannot bear her burdens. In the tragedies and triumphs of human experience, each mortal stands alone.” — Elizabeth Cady Staton
“There is a great stir about colored men getting their rights, but not a word about the colored women; and if colored men get their rights, and not colored women theirs, you see the colored men will be masters over the women, and it will be just as bad as it was before. So I am for keeping the thing going while things are stirring; because if we wait till it is still, it will take a great while to get it going again.” — Sojourner Truth
“I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand.” — Susan B. Anthony
“No man is good enough to govern any woman without her consent.” — Susan B. Anthony
“It should be remarked that, as the principle of liberty is better understood, and more nobly interpreted, a broader protest is made in behalf of women. As men become aware that few have had a fair chance, they are inclined to say that no women have had a fair chance.” — Margaret Fuller
“Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It’s about making life more fair for women everywhere. It’s not about a piece of the existing pie; there are too many of us for that. It’s about baking a new pie.” — Gloria Steinem
“The problem for all women is we’re identified by how we look instead of by our heads and our hearts.” — Gloria Steinem
“If women want any rights more than they’s got, why don’t they just take them, and not be talking about it.” — Sojourner Truth
“Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.” — Hillary Clinton
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke at the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO’s Convention on April 6, 2016 in Philadelphia. Photo: Getty Images
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