Inspiring quotes from influential women: celebrating Kartini Day

Kartini Day, celebrated every April 21st in Indonesia, honors Raden Adjeng Kartini, a trailblazer for women’s rights. This special day is a powerful reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and the ongoing efforts to empower women.

Why highlight quotes on Kartini Day? Quotes have the power to inspire, provoke thought, and spark change. By exploring the words of women who have impacted our world, we find the strength to continue their legacy of change. 

Let’s explore the powerful messages from these inspiring women, finding motivation to push for equality and empower those around us!

“The most important thing for women is to be able to think for themselves and to have the courage to speak out.”

~ Raden Ajeng Kartini, Indonesia’s national hero for her advocacy for women’s right and education.

“Empowerment of women leads to an empowered economy.”

~ Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesia’s finance minister

“As women, we are not merely ornamental, not just accessories, not background dancers. We play roles equal to those of our male counterparts.”

~ Dian Sastrowardoyo, Indonesian actress

“There can be no lasting and sustainable empowerment without the involvement of women.”

~ Najwa Shihab, Indonesian journalist 

“Only through education will we grow as a nation.”

~ Dewi Sartika, advocate for and pioneer of education for women in Indonesia 

“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”

~ Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel laureate

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

~ Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States 

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, US Supreme Court Justice

“Women feel like we need permission… we need to lead and change that.”

~ Emma Watson, British actress

“Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.”

~ Dame Maggie Smith, British actress

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”

~ Serena Williams, American former tennis athlete 

“I hate men who are afraid of women’s strength.”

~ Anaïs Nin, French-American Novelist

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.”

~ Maya Angelou, American poet & civil right activist

“You can carve your own path, be your own kind of leader. We do need to create a new generation of leadership.”

~ Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand

“You are never too small to make a difference.”

~ Greta Thunberg, Swedish climate activist 

“I was once afraid of people saying who does she think she is? Now I have the courage to stand and say ‘this is who I am’.”

~ Oprah Winfrey, American talk show host and television producer

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

~ Rosa Parks, American civil rights activist

“The world has never yet seen a truly great and virtuous nation, because in the degradation of women, the very fountains of life are poisoned at their source.”

~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American writer and women’s right activist

“Courage start with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

~ Brené Brown, American professor and social worker

“Nothing I accept about myself can be used against me to diminish me.”

~ Audre Lorde, American professor, writer, and civil rights activist

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

~ Dolly Parton, American singer-songwriter

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

~ Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady of the United States

“The most violent element in society is ignorance.”

~ Emma Goldman, political activist 

“The true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she so lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.”

~ Audrey Hepburn, British actress

“It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the hard progress of humankind.”

~ Queen Elizabeth II

As we reflect on these powerful quotes from remarkable women across the globe, let’s all remember that Kartini Day is not just a commemoration, but also a call to action! A reminder that while much has been achieved in the pursuit of gender equality, our journey is far from over.

Let us carry forward the spirit of Kartini, and all the women who stand in solidarity with her, by promoting education, advocating for women’s rights, and empowering each other in every way we can.

Let’s shape a future where gender equality isn’t just a goal, but a reality!