8 pearls of wisdom for International Women’s Day 2025

At the turn of the twentieth century, as labor movements gained momentum, countries began to recognise the need for an international day celebrating women.

Amid the turmoil of World War I, Russian women took to the streets on the last Sunday of February 1917 (8th March on the Gregorian calendar), demanding “Bread and Peace.” Their courageous protests and strikes sparked a revolution. Just four days later, the Czar abdicated, and the provisional government granted women the right to vote—a historic victory that linked the 8th March to the fight for equality.

This year, on 8th March, 2025, we’re honouring International Women’s Day by sharing 8 pearls of wisdom from women who have reshaped the way we think. From joy and resilience to aging and ambition, their words offer timeless insights into life’s many facets. Take a moment to sit with their wit and wisdom. 

 

Joan Rivers

I succeeded by saying what everyone else was thinking but didn’t have the guts to say.

 

Sanmao (Chen Mao-ping)

Happiness is not about having what you want, but wanting what you have.

 

Maya Angelou

Nothing will work unless you do.

 

Joan Crawford

I think that the most important thing a woman can have – next to talent, of course – is her hairdresser.

 

Nora Ephron 

When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.

Mary Oliver

The grass is greener on the other side? No, the grass is greener where you water it.

 

Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker)

Let no one say the past is dead. The past is all about us and within.

Yoko Ono 

People think that their world will get smaller as they get older. My experience is just the opposite. Your senses become more acute. You start to blossom.