She Speaks: Empowering quotes from Oprah, Emma, Meryl, Ellen, Angelina and J-Law

By Nichola

on March 08, 2018

From Oprah Winfrey to Jennifer Lopez, these women have always strived to speak out, share their experiences and do their bit to inspire and empower…

Emma Watson

“Feminism is about giving women choice. It's not a stick with which to beat other women with. It's about freedom. It's about liberation. It's about equality. I really don't know what my tits have to do with it." The actress was reacting to criticism of a topless photo of hers that had been featured in a Vanity Fair cover spread.

Ellen DeGeneres

“We should encourage women to claim their power. Too many women are scared to speak out because we are taught in sometimes subtle and sometimes very obvious ways in the society that we are supposed to be quiet and polite, and we are supposed to be nice and sweet. All those qualities are great, but we should also be powerful.”

Mila Kunis

“It's what we are conditioned to believe — that if we speak up, our livelihoods will be threatened; that standing our ground will lead to our demise. We don't want to be kicked out of the sandbox for being a 'bitch'. So we compromise our integrity for the sake of maintaining the status quo and hope that change is coming. Throughout my career, there have been moments when I have been insulted, sidelined, paid less, creatively ignored, and otherwise diminished based on my gender. And always, I tried to give people the benefit of the doubt; maybe they knew more, maybe they had more experience, maybe there was something I was missing.”

Jennifer Lawrence

“When the Sony hack happened and I found out how much less I was being paid than the lucky people with dicks, I didn't get mad at Sony. I got mad at myself. I failed as a negotiator because I gave up early. But if I'm honest with myself, I would be lying if I didn't say there was an element of wanting to be liked that influenced my decision to close the deal without a real fight. I didn't want to seem 'difficult' or 'spoiled.' At the time, that seemed like a fine idea, until I saw the payroll on the Internet and realized every man I was working with definitely didn't worry about being 'difficult' or 'spoiled’. I'm over trying to find the 'adorable' way to state my opinion and still be likable! F— that. I don't think I've ever worked for a man in charge who spent time contemplating what angle he should use to have his voice heard. It's just heard.”

Angelina Jolie

“There is a global epidemic of violence against women — both within conflict zones and within societies at peace — and it is still treated as a lesser crime and lower priority. We need policies for long-term security that are designed by women, focused on women, executed by women — not at the expense of men, or instead of men, but alongside and with men. There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free and educated woman. And there is no more inspiring role model than a man who respects and cherishes women and champions their leadership.”

Jennifer Lopez

“I've always been fascinated about how much more well-behaved we have to be than men. I did get a moniker of being a 'diva,' which I never felt I deserved — which I don't deserve. I've always been a hard worker, always on time, always professional. I always felt sometimes crippled to voice my opinion.”

Meryl Streep

“We need 40- to 50 year-old white males to be interested in the stories of their wives and their mothers. Our industry will always depend on diversity in the boardroom, where the money is. All the talk about equality and diversity among the lower levels of the endeavour won't change things if the money and decisions are still made by one people whose taste will necessarily decide what kind of films will be made.”

Oprah Winfrey

Some gems from the talk show queen… “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” “Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” “Follow your instincts. That’s where true wisdom manifests itself.” “When I look into the future, it’s so bright it burns my eyes.”