Inspiring Quotes for Women

Do you need some encouragement?

When we’re feeling stuck or when we’re faced with an unprecedented challenge, it’s often helpful to read a few words of encouragement to not only encourage ourselves, but to inspire us to be an encouraging force for others.

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To kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness month and to celebrate the power of women everywhere, we’ve rounded up 34 of the most encouraging quotes for women including quotes from breast cancer survivors such as Robin Roberts and Betsey Johnson. We’ve also included encouraging words by some of the world’s most influential women including politicians, authors, human rights activists, fashion icons and Grammy award-winning artists.

These words of encouragement will be sure to inspire you to reach your goals, whether it’s achieving your dreams, inspiring others, or becoming more compassionate, these quotes are sure to bring a bit of positivity and optimism into your day.

Quotes on encouragement and compassion

1. “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” — Diane Mariechild
2. “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa
3. “If you’re feeling helpless, help someone.” — Aung San Suu Kyi
4. “One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.” — Simone De Beauvoir
5. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
6. “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” — Mother Teresa
7. “No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank
8. “People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.” — Audrey Hepburn

Quotes on courage and determination

9. “Life shrinks or expands in proportion with one’s courage.” — Anaïs Nin
10. “It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends.” — J.K. Rowling
11. “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” — Rosa Parks
12. “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai
13. “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” — Martha Graham

Quotes on strength and confidence

14. “The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.” — Blake Lively
15. “I may not be perfect, but parts of me are pretty awesome.” — Anonymous
16. “Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror.” — Byron Katie
17. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
18. “I think the best way to have confidence is not to allow everyone else’s insecurities to be your own.” — Jessie J
19. “I’m stronger than I thought I was. My favorite phrase has been ‘This too shall pass.’ I now understand it really well.” — Robin Roberts
20. “When there is no struggle, there is no strength.” — Oprah
21. “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” — Judy Garland