WHY DON’T YOU...? In celebration of International Women’s Day, BAZAAR presents a curated list of quotes by incredible women who inspire us to attain greatness. Compiled by Sharmita Summugam.
… UNLEASH YOUR MIND? “The only real
elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it.” – Diana Vreeland, legendary fashion editor
of Harper’s BAZAAR
… BREAK FROM STEREOTYPES? “Stereotypes are limiting. The best thing a woman can do for herself is to build on her talents, pursue her passions and dreams, do whatever she thinks she can, and just ignore the stereotype. Think of the thing you are afraid of doing, and do just that.” – Sumitra Visvanathan, executive director of
Women’s Aid Organisation … RAISE YOUR VOICE? “I raise up my voice, not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai, activist for female education and the
youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize … BE CONFIDENT? “When a
woman is in tune with herself and feels confident in her own skin, she will create
positive ripple effects with her partner, family, and the world at large.” – Dr. Terry Loong, integrative cosmetic and skin doctor … GRAB THE WORLD BY THE LAPELS? “Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass!” – Maya Angelou, author, poet, dancer, and actress … DARE TO BE? “Women have always been the strong ones of the world. The men are always seeking from women a little pillow to pit their heads down on. They are always longing for the mother who held them as infants.” – Coco Chanel, fashion designer … CHALLENGE YOURSELF? “One of the greatest challenges for women now, with so many women’s initiatives and discussion, is to realise that this game should be about evaluation on merit and not about special treatment. Expectation of special treatment is a weakness. May the best person win – that is progress. That best person will often be a woman.” – Datin Shalini Ganendra, gallerist … TAKE THE LEAD? “We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.” – Beyoncé, singer
and actress … BE A FEMINIST? “Why has the word feminism become such an uncomfortable one? It is not the word that is important; it’s the idea and the ambition behind it.” – Emma Watson, actress and UN Women goodwill ambassador