Quote after quote, one thing becomes clear: when women lift each other, real change happens. At Gladly Network, we believe in the everyday magic of women supporting women. The right words, shared at the right time, can spark confidence, courage, and connection.
We’ve gathered powerful quotes from trailblazing women. These leaders, changemakers, and visionaries remind us of the strength that lives within a global sisterhood.
These women supporting women quotes aren’t just inspiring. They’re proof that we rise higher when we rise together.
Trailblazing Women’s Words of Wisdom
At Gladly Network, we draw inspiration from the powerful words of women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Let’s explore some of the most impactful quotes from female leaders across various fields.
Political Powerhouses
Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, once said: “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.” This statement, made at the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, continues to resonate. It reminds us that the fight for gender equality is inseparable from the broader struggle for human rights.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, late Supreme Court Justice, famously stated: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” This powerful assertion challenges the status quo and encourages women to claim their rightful place in leadership roles across all sectors.
Business Trailblazers
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta (formerly Facebook), advises: “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, make the decisions, to shape the society we want.” Sandberg’s words highlight the importance of female representation in corporate leadership. A 2021 McKinsey report reveals that between 2015 and 2021, over 750 companies participated in the study, and more than a quarter of a million people were surveyed on their workplace experiences.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, offers this wisdom: “The glass ceiling will go away when women help other women break through that ceiling.” Nooyi’s statement emphasizes the power of mentorship and solidarity among women in the workplace.
Activists and Changemakers
Malala Yousafzai, education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, declares: “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” Yousafzai’s words remind us of the transformative power of education, especially for girls and women in underserved communities.
Gloria Steinem, feminist journalist and activist, challenges us with this thought: “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.” Steinem’s statement underscores the importance of collective action in the fight for gender equality.
These trailblazing women’s words serve as a call to action for all of us. They remind us that progress is possible, but it requires continuous effort, solidarity, and a commitment to lifting each other up.
As we move forward, let’s explore how these powerful messages translate into celebrating female strength and resilience in our everyday lives.
Celebrating Female Resilience and Strength
Triumphing Over Adversity
Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, inspires us with her words: “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” This powerful statement reminds us that women have the capacity to achieve greatness, despite any obstacles they may face.
Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and philanthropist, offers a transformative perspective: “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” Her words encourage us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than setbacks.
Embracing Self-Confidence
Serena Williams, tennis champion and entrepreneur, asserts: “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” This quote emphasizes the importance of celebrating each other’s achievements and using them as motivation for our own pursuits.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, singer and businesswoman, declares: “We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.” Her words remind us of the power of self-perception and the importance of taking initiative in our lives.
Uplifting Fellow Women
Emma Watson, actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, states: “There’s nothing wrong with being afraid. It’s not the absence of fear, it’s overcoming it. Sometimes you’ve got to blast through and have faith.” This quote encourages women to face their fears head-on and support each other in doing so.
Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State, famously said: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” While provocative, this statement underscores the critical importance of women supporting and uplifting each other in all aspects of life.
And within the Gladly community, that same spirit shines through LaKisha Mosley, our first Gladly Voice. A speaker and mental-health advocate, LaKisha helps women founders navigate the emotional challenges of leadership. As she puts it, “My mind is my business. Everything I build comes from that truth.”
Practical Steps for Empowerment
- Start a mentorship program in your workplace or community.
- Share your skills and knowledge through workshops or online platforms.
- Celebrate the achievements of women in your network (both big and small), consider using recognition tools like Motivosity to make that celebration part of your everyday culture.
- Create safe spaces for women to share their experiences and challenges.
- Advocate for policies that support women’s advancement in your organization.
These quotes serve as powerful reminders of the strength inherent in every woman. They encourage us to face challenges head-on, believe in our capabilities, and support our fellow women. Through initiatives like the #getgladly campaign (which celebrates acts of kindness), we’ve witnessed countless stories of women supporting and empowering each other. These acts of kindness, big and small, have ripple effects that extend far beyond the initial interaction.
As we move forward, let’s explore how these empowering messages translate into actionable steps for women to chase their dreams and break barriers in their chosen fields.
Unleashing Your Potential: Women Chasing Dreams
Breaking Through Career Barriers
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta, once said: “We need to resist the tyranny of low expectations.” Many U.S. teens say women still face discrimination in gaining leadership positions and getting equal pay for equal work. This underscores the importance of setting high expectations for ourselves and others.
To break through career barriers, try these actionable steps:
- Find mentors who have successfully navigated similar challenges
- Create a personal brand that showcases your unique strengths
- Negotiate assertively for promotions and pay raises
- Join professional networks that provide support and opportunities
Embracing Lifelong Learning
Continuous learning becomes essential. Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, emphasizes: “Growth and comfort do not coexist.” Accept discomfort as a sign of progress.
To foster a mindset of lifelong learning:
- Allocate dedicated time each week for skill development
- Explore online learning platforms for relevant courses
- Attend industry conferences and workshops to stay updated on trends
- Pursue stretch assignments at work that push you out of your comfort zone
Cultivating Resilience
Resilience is a key trait for achieving long-term success. Michelle Obama puts it this way: “You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.”
To build resilience:
- Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk
- Build a support network of friends, family, and mentors
- Set realistic goals and celebrate small wins along the way
- Transform setbacks into opportunities for growth
Chasing your dreams paves the way for other women to follow. When you push boundaries and break barriers, you create a ripple effect that empowers future generations.
Women who lift each other through acts of kindness and support (no matter how small) contribute to a larger culture of empowerment and mutual success. Your success can inspire others. Share your story, mentor younger women, and continue to push for equality in all spheres of life.
Keep the Circle Going
Quotes like these remind us how powerful it is when women support each other. They come from experience, leadership, and hard-won lessons. And they show that encouragement doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
At Gladly, we believe support happens in everyday ways. It can be listening, giving credit, sharing a resource, or just showing up. What matters is that we keep doing it.
If a quote here made you think of someone, send it to them. Let it start a conversation or offer a little boost. These small moments are what keep the momentum going.
Let’s keep showing up for each other. That’s how change lasts.
