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    1. Culture

    Hillary Clinton's best quotes: 'Women's rights are human rights'

    As Hillary Clinton continues her presidential campaign, here's a reminder of what the powerhouse has taught us...

    By Martha Hayes
    Published 20 September 2016 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Hillary Clinton
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    As Hillary Clinton enters the final leg of her presidential campaign, here are some of her most powerful quotes

    The race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to reach The White House is now in its final moments. Donald Trump's quotes might have grabbed the most attention over the last ten months, but here are some memorable words from the woman who stood a very real chance of getting becoming the first female POTUS at the US election result 2016.

    On keeping an open mind

    'I've always believed you can learn something from nearly everybody you meet, if you're open to it.'

    On kindness

    'We should remember that just as a positive outlook on life can promote good health, so can everyday acts of kindness.’

    On looking forward

    ‘Every moment wasted looking back, keeps us from moving forward… In this world and the world of tomorrow, we must go forward together or not at all.’

    On feminism

    ‘Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights. Let us not forget that among those rights are the right to speak freely - and the right to be heard.’

    On criticism

    ‘Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.’

    On female empowerment

    ‘We need to understand that there is no formula for how women should lead their lives. That is why we must respect the choices that each woman makes for herself and her family. Every woman deserves the chance to realize her God-given potential.'

    On keeping her independence

    ‘I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfil my profession which I entered before my husband was in public life.’

    On Bill

    'You want me to tell you what my husband thinks? My husband is not secretary of state; I am. If you want my opinion, I will tell you my opinion. I am not going to be channelling my husband.'

    On ambition

    'Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.'

    On women having a voice 

    ‘Too many women in too many countries speak the same language — of silence.’

    On feminism (again)

    'I challenge assumptions about women. I do make some people uncomfortable, which I’m well aware of, but that’s just part of coming to grips with what I believe is still one of the most important pieces of unfinished business in human history — empowering women to be able to stand up for themselves.'

    On gay rights

    'To LGBT men and women worldwide, let me say this: wherever you live and whatever the circumstances of your life, whether you are connected to a network of support or feel isolated and vulnerable, please know that you are not alone.'

    On work

    ‘Don’t confuse having a career with having a life.’

    On tough times

    'There is a sense that things, if you keep positive and optimistic about what can be done, do work out.'

    On life

    'I choose my cards. I play them to the best of my ability. Move on to the the next hand.'

    On being assertive

    'There's that kind of double bind that women find themselves in. On the one hand, yes, be smart, stand up for yourself. On the other hand, don't offend anybody, don't step on toes, or you'll become somebody that nobody likes because you're too assertive.'

    On moaning

    'I can't stand whining. I can't stand the kind of paralysis that some people fall into because they're not happy with the choices they've made. You live in a time when there are endless choices... Money certainly helps, and having that kind of financial privilege goes a long way, but you don't even have to have money for it. But you have to work on yourself... Do something!'

    On the role of the First Lady

    'We used to say in the White House that if a place is too dangerous, too small or too poor, send the First Lady.'

    On realising her ambitions

    'I really do hope that we have a woman president in my lifetime.'

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Martha Hayes
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