The first celebration of International Women’s Day was in 1909 and is celebrated on March 8th every year as a day of remembrance of the women’s rights movement. That year, the Socialist Party of America dedicated the day to honor the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York.
Over the years, the day has been dedicated to showing the progress that women have made and the progress women and men around the world are working towards.
In support of International Women’s Day, we’ve rounded up some of the most poignant quotes from some of the most well-known supporters of the gender equality movement.
Valentina Kordi Mindset & High-Performance Executive and Business Coach
“The reason ‘because you are a woman‘ should never be the reason that prevents a woman from conquering her dreams. On the contrary, it must be the reason that will make her understand why she can do it! “
Irene St. Daifa President of the Piraeus Maritime Club, Authorized Municipal Councilor of Culture of the Municipality of Piraeus
“My encouragement and wish to all women are to remain strong and optimistic and to always be themselves without succumbing to any negative external influences.”
Alexandra Ghika Director & Founder “artncultureghika” & “Advance Communication PR”
“Love yourself, to give love. Erase the words “I can not” from your mind and vocabulary. We women can do everything. We move forward vigorously, channeling our passion into creative pursuits, proud of our thoughts and actions. “
Jossie Vitzileou Public Relations Director at AMVYX
“To conquer peaks requires being convinced that you can do it. Women can do anything as long as they believe in it. It is not a matter of gender, it is a matter of faith. Women who stand out are those who are not limited by their gender. They must be our inspiration.”
Dr. Katerina Besserer Veterinarian Surgeon
“We are you, the woman who secretly wipes her tears and continues her battle. Your silent cry becomes ours. Your battle, our battle. You are not alone. Let us be hurt, but we will never be defeated!”
Ada Iliopoulou President of the French Cultural Movement Le Soleil Foundation, Journalist-Writer, Owner of Winelife.gr, Executive member of the US Euro-American Women’s Council Board of Directors
“The only answer you can give to someone for everything is your job. The truth of your work can never be denied. Be sure that behind a strong woman is always only herself! Invest in yourself! Greatness is a choice!”
Marilia Vazaiou Director at Valiant Shipping S.A.
“Now that the smiles are frozen and the eyes are darkened, let us take strength from all the tortured women of the last days, who with self-denial, determination, and undivided courage carry on their tired backs the future of a people!”
Hara Tziouvara President of the “Doctors of the World – Greece”
“Remember that you only live once. Εvery woman who cares about what she does has some magical value. Creating, embracing, softening, with a look, with her hands, with her heart. She gives her soul and body because she can. She has the endless power to love others more than herself. This woman celebrates this day, every day.”
Gina G. Thanopoulou, Ed.M., M.A., Harvard University, Counseling Psychologist & Personal Development Consultant
“Women must listen to the inner voice of their heart and their truth, make room for the positive and the optimistic, respect their needs for well-being, health, self-esteem, and self-confidence, reminding themselves that the power is in them.”
Ioanna N. Lagoumidou Lawyer LL.M.- Accredited Μediator
“Faithful to the unique characteristics of your gender, open your own path to achieve your goals. There are no bossy women, but women with leadership skills. Be in control of the decisions that affect your life. And if you fall do not be afraid, get up and continue. Your strength is you.”
“The positive image we have of ourselves is the key to self-confidence. This is what we women need to strengthen. Go to your mirror every morning and say to yourself ‘Ι love you’ and take care of yourself. Before giving to others, give to yourself, without guilt, become your best friend.”
Chara Lembessi Fashion designer
“Be yourself. See the good in what is happening. Gratitude. Solidarity. Be generous with your time. Only the present and the future should interest you. Accept that you are great.”
Efi Koutsi President of the Cultural Center KEMME of the Municipality of Kifissia
“Give to yourself and to others joy. Joy in the context of free thought and morality is a unique daily goal that works for the benefit of all. Smile, be polite, give as much as you can and you will gain a lot.”
Ioanna Efthimiou Painter – Visual artist
“A woman is an inspiration in itself and can inspire other women wherever they are. I believe that Art is the best medicine of the soul, a soul that is being pushed today from everywhere but must survive, dream and set high goals.”
Cybel Laskari Founder and President of the Cultural and Animal Welfare Association of Kifissia AGAPI
“The power of a woman can bring peace or destruction, blessing or curse. It’s her choice to leave the miracle of nature that she bears with absolute responsibility in this universe … I want the woman to love the woman … difficult?”
Natali Leontaraki Real Estate Expert
“Whichever path you choose, I hope you find ways to break the status quo, set aside the rules, and make as much noise as you can. To do all this in the name of women who fight to show their work, their intelligence, and their leadership ability.”
Mania Bikof Owner of the School of Lifeguarding “Lifeguard Hellas”
“Every woman is called to cope with many roles, relationships, and obligations and should not forget her own goals and needs. We will find the strength in ourselves, when we love and take care of ourselves when we set our priorities and claim the time we need … even to do nothing!”
Ioanna Paraskeva Artist, Creator of @iamnotadoll_project
“Take the words ‘appreciation,’ ‘respect,’ ‘awareness,’ and ‘belief’ and make them your own by putting yourself as the first component. Keep a low profile and work with passion. Once you conquer them, there is nothing and no one that can take them away.”
Nicole Papantoniou Lawyer
“We have been taught from a young age to be hard, soft, full of grace, strong, and acceptable. We also need to learn how to use our voice to ask for support and help, and learn that it is okay to put ourselves first, take care of ourselves and take a break when needed.”
Dr. Aggeliki Margariti-Andrews Dental Surgeon, Margariti Dental Clinic, Board of Directors Lifeline Hellas
«A woman with a strong will is called ‘mean’, a man with a strong will is called ‘strong’, but the strong woman opens horizons where others set limits!!!»
