21 Most Empowering Feminist Quotes of All Time

When many women hear the word “feminism,” they think about angry, bra-burning ladies in the 1970s, terms like “man-hater” and worse. But these days, a feminist isn’t someone who hates men, and it isn’t even necessarily someone who identifies as a woman. Anyone can be a feminist, and you don’t have to be politically active to support the cause. (Psst: You can use these amazing feminist quotes to speak in solidarity with women across the world!)

Merriam Webster defines “feminism” as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the genders or organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests. Those interests range widely, but they include equal pay, family leave, and even the ability to walk down the street without feeling unsafe. It may seem obvious that all women — and even all decent people — should want those things, but statistics show many women still don’t feel comfortable calling themselves feminists. A recent poll released by CBS News found that 46 percent of women age 18–35 consider themselves feminists, while only 34 percent of women over 35 do. That may be because many of us get stuck in the old guard concept of feminism, but it’s time to give the idea another look. Here are some inspiring quotes about feminism that may help change your mind.