Wangari Maathai Quotes

My hope in writing 'Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead' was to change the conversation from what women can't do to what we can.

We must tell girls their voices are important.

I hope that through Fast Forward, we can encourage women everywhere to know their power wherever they find themselves; to find their purpose; and to connect with others in order to create a better world - especially for women and girls.

I'm all for having an empowered first lady who can really use that position to improve conditions, be a role model and make change.

I want to organize so that women see ourselves as people who are entitled to power, entitled to leadership.

According to my mother, my wife and my daughter, this world would be a lot better off with women running things.

It is so inspirational, to see that in the world of Westeros, men are answering to women, and they are a force to be reckoned with. It's empowering, and it's inspirational as well, because you're just like, 'This is great!'

Women are standing up and leaning forward and asserting their power.

I believe in women having a voice, being empowered, speaking up, and having ideas.

As we've seen time and again, women and girls who are out there working, they are truly force multipliers, spreading opportunity through their families and communities - and not just by creating programs and nonprofit organizations, not just by hiring other women, but also by serving as role models themselves.

My aim is to change the social norms of Pakistan; women here look up to me. I started very early, worked on myself, and the effect is for all to see.

For women to achieve equal representation in leadership roles, it's important that they have the backing of men as well as women.

I'm so proud of the community we've been able to bring together, and the notion of women making the first move is no longer taboo; it's no longer a scarlet letter to have a voice.

Women are no longer victims. They have become leaders. They are at the forefront of the demonstrations. We will share a role in all aspects of life, side by side with men.

Those who try to lead the people can only do so by following the mob. It is through the voice of one crying in the wilderness that the ways of the gods must be prepared.

When girls are educated and free to pursue their passions, they contribute more to a thriving society. When women have a voice, they raise it to demand a life that is greater than what they've been told they have a right to expect. And these demands change the future for everyone.

If we give girls and women the chance to change their lives, they can change the world.

I don't consider myself a politician or a hero. I'm a messenger. If Cambodia is to survive, she needs many voices.

Martin [Luther King] wasn't one to buck forces too much.

There are good men everywhere. I only wish they had louder voices.

We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.

...there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.

While Europe's eye is fix'd on mighty things, The fate of empires and the fall of kings; While quacks of State must each produce his plan, And even children lisp the Rights of Man; Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention, The Rights of Woman merit some attention.

Depending on which side of the fence you're on, you could argue that the sexual liberation of the late '60s, led to women being emancipated in some ways. That they found a voice during that time, with feminism. It's complicated.