13 inspirational quotes that prove that 2016 was the year of the woman

‘You could certainly say that I’ve never underestimated myself, there’s nothing wrong with being ambitious.’

Words by Rosie Benson

At first glance, 2016 doesn’t feel like a banner year for women – but while it’s true that we have undoubtedly faced setbacks, we have also made just as many advances, something that we should not let be overshadowed.

Theresa May became the UK Prime Minister, the second ever in history, and while Hillary Clinton lost the US Presidential Election, she still made history as the first ever female presidential nominee.

As the New Year rolls in, we look back at some of the most empowering quotes of 2016, proving that this past year has undoubtedly been the year of the woman...

1. Sheryl Sandberg ‘Men still run the world; I’m not sure it’s going so well.’

2. Hillary Clinton ‘To all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me: I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion. Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will — and hopefully sooner than we might think right now. And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.’

3. Michelle Obama ‘No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half the citizens.’

4. Madonna ‘To the doubters and naysayers and everyone who gave me hell and said I could not, that I would not or I must not - your resistance made me stronger, made me push harder, made me the fighter that I am today," she said. "It made me the woman that I am today. So thank you.’

5. Theresa May ‘I’ve always championed women in politics. We just get stuck in; politics isn’t a game. The decisions we make affect people’s lives, and that is something we must all keep to the forefront of our minds.’

6. Emma Watson ‘I think it is right I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men.’

7. Christine Lagarde ‘We’ve heard a lot about the Internet of Things – I think we need an Internet of Women.’

8. Nadiya Hussain ‘I'm never gonna put boundaries on myself ever again. I'm never gonna say I can't do it. I'm never gonna say “maybe.”’

9. Malala Yousafzai 'I raise up my voice - not so I can shout, but so those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.'

10. Beyoncé ‘Power's not given to you, you have to take it.’

11. Angela Merkel ‘You could certainly say that I’ve never underestimated myself, there’s nothing wrong with being ambitious.’

12. Amy Schumer ‘I say if I'm beautiful. I say if I'm strong. You will not determine my story - I will.’

13. Oprah Winfrey ‘Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.’