Strong women aren’t just locked up in the confines of history. Here are 7 women who are making powerful statements for what they believe in! We might not all agree with their goals but we can all follow suit and stand up for what we believe in!
“To actually feel like you’ve done something good with your life and you’re useful to others is what I was always wanting, and was always looking for.” –Angeline Jolie
Over the last few years, Angelina Jolie has used her fame to bring attention to the plight over women all over the world living in poverty and suffering gender-based violence, especially during times of war. She even directed a movie, In the Land of Milk and Honey, to help bring this issue to the forefront! While we might not have the same platform, we can all make efforts to do something good for others, whether it is volunteering at a soup kitchen, reaching out to a lonely classmate, or making sure you recycle at home.
“…if you are overdressed, it is a comment on them. If you are under dressed, it is a comment on you.” –Condoleezza Rice
Serving as the Head of the State Department under President Bush, Condoleezza Rice helped steer the country after 9/11 and the following turbulent times. She knew that how you present yourself is so important, both to you and the message you are advocating for. Condoleezza knows that how you present yourself has a big impact on how others perceive you, right or wrong, and she used that to her advantage. And, she once said her dream job was to run the NFL – how cool is that?
“I’ve never seen myself as a ‘girl driver.’ I’m just a driver.” –Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick is making a big splash in the world of professional racing as she is often the only woman competing and she’s one fierce competitor. Currently, she’s having one of her best seasons yet. We love that she isn’t letting something that is a stereotypically male job stop her from pursuing her dreams. Danica is quietly challenging peoples ideas about women in racing and winning in the process!
“Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights. Let us not forget that among those rights are the right to speak freely — and the right to be heard.” –Hilary Clinton
Hilary Clinton has been able to fight and raise awareness for women’s issues in her numerous roles in public life. By continuing to ensure that these issues are at the forefront of policymaking, she’s making a bold statement about what’s important. Because Hilary refuses to let women’s rights get swept under the rug, we all benefit by the debate she encourages.
“I care much more about saving the lives of mothers and babies than I do about a fancy museum somewhere.” –Melinda Gates
Along with her husband, Bill Gates, Melinda has helped give away more money to charitable causes than anyone else in the world. She’s making huge headway by funding projects that work to end maternal and infant mortality, stop malaria and educate women and girls around the world. We can all impact the world around us by fighting like Melinda does for the things we are passionate about!
“Don’t waste your energy trying to change opinions … Do your thing, and don’t care if they like it” –Tina Fey
Through her work on Saturday Night Live and other comedic endeavors, Tina Fey has endeared herself to millions of Americans. While some might not think girls can be funny, Tina ignores the haters and does her own thing – which is to our benefit! We all need a reminder sometimes to follow our heart and not get caught up in what everyone else is doing.
“Sometimes painful things can teach us lessons we didn’t think we needed to know.” –Amy Poehler
Another one of our first ladies of comedy, Amy Poehler, has also made a name for herself in a traditionally male-dominated field. Moreover, she’s proven that you don’t have to lose touch with your sensitive side to be successful or competitive. What a great reminder that there is something for us to learn in every experience, even the painful ones!
There are women all around us making bold statements about what they believe in, whether it’s politics, the arts, philanthropy or so much more! We’ve highlighted just a few of them here; please share your favorite modern women making powerful statements in the comments! We’d love to hear about them!