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History, often painted with the broad strokes of male dominance, has quietly witnessed the power of feminine voices. From the hushed whispers of rebellion to the thunderous roars of revolution, famous women’s speeches have echoed through time in a way that continues to help shape societies and inspire generations. As Malala Yousafzai courageously declared, “Let us wage peace, let us wage love, let us wage justice.” These words, and countless others, have ignited the flames of change, challenging the status quo and advocating for equality. So, in this article, we will walk you through the lives of extraordinary women whose speeches have left an indelible mark on history, and explore their powerful messages that left an enduring impact on the masses.
Table of Contents
Famous Female Speeches for Women’s Rights
1. Susan B. Anthony – “Woman’s Rights to Vote” Speech
Susan B. Anthony was a tireless advocate for women’s suffrage. Her unwavering commitment to equality led her to organise and speak at numerous women’s rights conventions. Her speech, “Woman’s Rights to Vote,” delivered in 1873, remains a powerful testament to her belief in women’s right to participate in democracy.
| “I stand indicted for the alleged crime of having voted at the last presidential election, without having a lawful right to vote. I plead not guilty in this court, not guilty before the bar of public opinion; not guilty in the court of conscience.” Anthony argued that women were citizens and, as such, had the right to vote. She challenged the notion that women were inferior to men and emphasised the importance of women’s participation in government. |
2. Malala Yousafzai – Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist, became a global symbol of courage and resilience. As a young girl, she fearlessly advocated for girls’ education in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. Her activism led to an assassination attempt by the Taliban, but she survived and continued her fight. In her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, she delivered a powerful message of hope and peace.
| “Dear friends, honoured guests, and my fellow Nobel Laureates: Today is a day of great joy and honour for me. When I was young, I had a simple dream: I wanted to go to school. But the Taliban thought that girls should not be educated. They shot me. But they failed. Out of that darkness came light…Let us wage peace, let us wage love, let us wage justice. We must not forget those who cannot speak for themselves. We must not forget those who are suffering. We must not forget those who are struggling and fighting for their basic rights. Let us work together to build a world where every child, every woman, and every man can reach their full potential. Thank you.” |
3. Angela Davis – “If They Come in the Morning…” Speech
Angela Davis is a renowned American political activist, philosopher, author, and lecturer. In the 1960s and 1970s, she emerged as a prominent figure in the Black Power movement and the Communist Party USA. Her speech, “If They Come in the Morning…”, delivered in 1971, is a powerful call to action against police brutality and mass incarceration.
| “If They Come in the Morning…” “If they come in the morning, I’ll be ready; I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready to walk westward into dawn. If they come in the morning, I’ll be ready; I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready to walk westward into dawn. If they come in the morning, I’ll be ready; I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready to walk westward into dawn. If they come in the morning…” |
4. Hillary Clinton – “Women’s Rights are Human Rights” Speech
Hillary Clinton, a prominent American politician, served as the 67th United States Secretary of State, and the first woman to be nominated for President of the United States by a major political party. Her speech, “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights,” delivered at the United Nations World Conference on Human Rights in 1995, is a landmark address that emphasised the importance of women’s rights as human rights.
Women’s Rights are Human Rights Speech
| “If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, it is that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights. Let us not forget that among the rights enshrined in this Declaration are the right to life, liberty, security of person, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of movement and association…It is time for us to say hereafter, ‘Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights once and for all.’” |
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5. Maya Angelou – “Still I Rise” Speech
Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” stands as a beacon of resilience, hope, and self-empowerment. Through the power of poetry and spoken word, Angelou masterfully conveys a message of defiance against oppression and celebration of personal triumphs. The poem’s recurring refrain, “Still I Rise,” embodies the indomitable spirit of individuals facing adversity, particularly women and marginalised communities.
The themes of the poem—ranging from overcoming discrimination to embracing self-worth—resonate deeply with readers and listeners alike. Angelou’s lyrical prowess transforms personal pain into a universal anthem of hope. Her words not only inspired generations but also became a rallying cry for empowerment and equality. To this day, “Still I Rise” remains a vital piece of literature that uplifts the human spirit and fosters a sense of shared strength.
| “Still I Rise” You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. |
6. Oprah Winfrey – Golden Globe Acceptance Speech
Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul, actress, talk show host, and philanthropist, has inspired millions with her powerful message of hope and empowerment. Her Golden Globe acceptance speech in 1997 is a testament to her journey from adversity to success.
Golden Globe Acceptance Speech
| “I want to thank God. I want to thank my family. I want to thank Quincy Jones. I want to thank Steven Spielberg. I want to thank Gayle King, who has been my rock. And I want to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for this incredible honour. It’s not about me. It’s about millions and millions of women, nameless and faceless, who have endured and overcame. And now, it’s language that they can use. I want to say, ‘Thank you’ to all the women who have gone before me, who have suffered and struggled and sacrificed for us today. Thank you to all the women who have said, ‘No,’ who have said, ‘Yes,’ who have said, ‘Maybe,’ and who have said, ‘Hell, no!’ Thank you to all the women who are reaching for the future. And for any young woman out there who is watching tonight, I want to say this: ‘You can do it. Just believe in yourself.’” |
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FAQs
Some of the most famous female speakers include Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, and Susan B. Anthony.
Susan B. Anthony’s “Woman’s Rights to Vote,” Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, and Hillary Clinton’s “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights” are some of the most famous speeches on women’s rights.
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single “most famous” speech, as it depends on various factors like cultural impact, historical significance, and individual preferences. However, speeches by Malala Yousafzai, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela are often considered among the most influential.
Many speeches by women are inspiring. Some notable examples include Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globe acceptance speech, and Michelle Obama’s speeches on education and empowerment.
Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, and Sojourner Truth are some of the most famous Black women who have delivered powerful speeches.
Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globe acceptance speech is a powerful example of a speech about overcoming adversity.
Malala Yousafzai’s speeches often focus on the importance of education, particularly for girls.
Susan B. Anthony’s “Woman’s Rights to Vote” and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech are iconic examples of speeches that advocate for equality.
You can find famous speeches by women on YouTube, TED Talks, and various educational websites.
Women’s speeches are important because they can inspire, educate, and empower. They can also challenge the status quo and bring about social change.
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This was all about the famous speeches by women that have left a timeless impression on numerous people. If you wish to read more such interesting speech writings, then do check out the School Education page of Leverage Edu.