35 Facts About Famous Speeches By Women

Famous Speeches by Women in History

Throughout history, women have delivered powerful speeches that have inspired, motivated, and brought about change. These speeches often reflect the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of women across different eras and cultures.

1. Susan B. Anthony's "Is it a Crime for a Citizen of the United States to Vote?" – Delivered in 1873, this speech was a cornerstone of the women's suffrage movement. Anthony argued that denying women the right to vote was unconstitutional.

2. Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" – In 1851, Truth delivered this speech at the Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. She challenged prevailing notions of racial and gender inferiority and inequality.

3. Eleanor Roosevelt's "The Struggle for Human Rights" – In 1948, Roosevelt spoke at the United Nations, advocating for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her speech emphasized the importance of human dignity and freedom.

Speeches that Sparked Social Change

Women have often been at the forefront of social change, using their voices to advocate for justice and equality. These speeches have left an indelible mark on society.

4. Malala Yousafzai's United Nations Speech – In 2013, Malala addressed the UN on her 16th birthday, advocating for education for girls worldwide. Her speech followed her recovery from an assassination attempt by the Taliban.

5. Gloria Steinem's "Living the Revolution" – Delivered in 1970, Steinem's speech at the National Women's Conference in Houston highlighted the need for gender equality and women's liberation.

6. Emma Watson's "HeForShe" Speech – In 2014, Watson spoke at the UN to launch the HeForShe campaign, urging men to join the fight for gender equality.

Political Speeches by Women

Women in politics have delivered some of the most memorable speeches, addressing critical issues and rallying support for their causes.

7. Margaret Thatcher's "The Lady's Not for Turning" – In 1980, Thatcher delivered this speech at the Conservative Party Conference, asserting her determination to stick to her policies despite criticism.

8. Indira Gandhi's "What Educated Women Can Do" – In 1969, Gandhi spoke at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Indraprastha College for Women, emphasizing the role of educated women in nation-building.

9. Hillary Clinton's "Women's Rights are Human Rights" – Delivered at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, Clinton's speech underscored the importance of women's rights in global human rights discourse.

Inspirational Speeches by Women

Inspirational speeches by women have motivated countless individuals to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.

10. Oprah Winfrey's Golden Globes Speech – In 2018, Winfrey received the Cecil B. DeMille Award and delivered a powerful speech addressing the #MeToo movement and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

11. J.K. Rowling's Harvard Commencement Address – In 2008, Rowling spoke about the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination, inspiring graduates to embrace challenges and creativity.

12. Michelle Obama's "When They Go Low, We Go High" – At the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Obama delivered a speech that emphasized the importance of integrity and taking the high road in the face of adversity.

Speeches on Education and Empowerment

Education and empowerment have been recurring themes in many influential speeches by women. These speeches highlight the transformative power of knowledge and self-belief.

13. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "We Should All Be Feminists" – In 2012, Adichie delivered a TEDx talk that later became a widely acclaimed essay, advocating for gender equality and challenging stereotypes.

14. Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In" Speech – In 2010, Sandberg spoke at a TEDWomen conference, encouraging women to pursue their ambitions and take leadership roles in their careers.

15. Wangari Maathai's Nobel Peace Prize Lecture – In 2004, Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, delivered a lecture on the importance of environmental conservation and women's rights.

Speeches Addressing Racial Equality

Women have also played a crucial role in the fight for racial equality, delivering speeches that challenge discrimination and promote justice.

16. Angela Davis's "The Prison Industrial Complex" – In 1997, Davis delivered a speech at the University of California, Berkeley, addressing the systemic issues within the prison system and advocating for reform.

17. Maya Angelou's "On the Pulse of Morning" – In 1993, Angelou recited this poem at Bill Clinton's inauguration, calling for unity and social justice.

18. Fannie Lou Hamer's "I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired" – In 1964, Hamer spoke at the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the struggles of African Americans in the fight for civil rights.

Speeches on Peace and Nonviolence

Women have often been powerful advocates for peace and nonviolence, using their speeches to promote harmony and understanding.

19. Mother Teresa's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech – In 1979, Mother Teresa accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a speech that emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and helping the poor.

20. Aung San Suu Kyi's "Freedom from Fear" – In 1990, Suu Kyi delivered this speech, advocating for democracy and human rights in Myanmar.

21. Leymah Gbowee's "Mighty Be Our Powers" – In 2011, Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist, delivered a speech on the power of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Speeches on Science and Innovation

Women in science and innovation have delivered speeches that inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields.

22. Marie Curie's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech – In 1911, Curie accepted her second Nobel Prize with a speech that highlighted her groundbreaking research in radioactivity.

23. Mae Jemison's "Science and Society" – In 2002, Jemison, the first African American woman in space, delivered a speech on the importance of science education and diversity in STEM.

24. Rosalind Franklin's "The Double Helix" – Although Franklin never delivered a formal speech on her discovery, her contributions to the understanding of DNA structure were later recognized and celebrated in scientific communities.

Speeches on Art and Culture

Women have also made significant contributions to art and culture, delivering speeches that reflect their creative journeys and the impact of their work.

25. Toni Morrison's Nobel Lecture – In 1993, Morrison delivered a lecture upon receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature, discussing the power of language and storytelling.

26. Frida Kahlo's "I Paint My Own Reality" – Although Kahlo did not deliver formal speeches, her writings and interviews reflect her views on art, identity, and self-expression.

27. Patti Smith's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Speech – In 2007, Smith delivered a speech upon her induction, reflecting on her career and the transformative power of music.

Speeches on Health and Well-being

Women have also been vocal advocates for health and well-being, delivering speeches that address critical issues in healthcare and personal wellness.

28. Elizabeth Blackwell's "Medicine as a Profession for Women" – In 1859, Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, delivered a speech advocating for women's participation in medicine.

29. Jane Goodall's "What Separates Us from the Apes?" – In 2002, Goodall delivered a speech on the importance of conservation and understanding the connections between humans and animals.

30. Brene Brown's "The Power of Vulnerability" – In 2010, Brown delivered a TED talk on the importance of embracing vulnerability and its impact on personal growth and relationships.

Speeches on Environmental Conservation

Women have also been at the forefront of environmental conservation, delivering speeches that highlight the importance of protecting our planet.

31. Greta Thunberg's "How Dare You" Speech – In 2019, Thunberg addressed world leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit, passionately calling for urgent action on climate change.

32. Rachel Carson's "The Silent Spring" – Although Carson did not deliver formal speeches, her writings and public appearances raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides and environmental degradation.

33. Severn Cullis-Suzuki's "The Girl Who Silenced the World for Five Minutes" – In 1992, at the age of 12, Cullis-Suzuki delivered a speech at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, urging leaders to take action on environmental issues.

Speeches on Human Rights

Women have been powerful advocates for human rights, delivering speeches that challenge injustice and promote equality.

34. Nadia Murad's Nobel Peace Prize Lecture – In 2018, Murad, a survivor of ISIS captivity, delivered a lecture on the importance of justice for victims of sexual violence and human trafficking.

35. Ruth Bader Ginsburg's "My Own Words" – In various speeches throughout her career, Ginsburg, a Supreme Court Justice, advocated for gender equality and civil rights, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for justice.

Celebrating Women's Voices

Women's speeches have shaped history, inspired movements, and sparked change. From Sojourner Truth's powerful "Ain't I a Woman?" to Malala Yousafzai's courageous address at the United Nations, these speeches highlight the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women across generations. They remind us of the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

By learning about these speeches, we gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of women who dared to speak out. Their words continue to resonate, encouraging us to listen, learn, and act. Let's honor these voices by sharing their stories and ensuring their messages live on.

Women's speeches are more than just words; they're a call to action. So, let's keep the conversation going and celebrate the incredible impact of women's voices in history.