Nelson Mandela Quotes

I never wanted to be a trophy wife. I wanted to make it on my own. I didn't want to depend on a man.

I pay all my own bills... I want to choose the man. I do not permit men to choose me.

I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet.

I'm for economic independence.

If there is only one thing in my life that I am proud of, it's that I've never been a kept woman.

There is not a woman born who desires to eat the bread of dependence.

Nobody in Africa loves to be a beggar or a recipient of aid. Everywhere I go in Africa, people say, 'When are we going to stand up on our feet?'

Free Americans deserve the chance to be fully self-supporting.

I was never going to be one of those women who put their career on hold, who put their hand out to their husband to ask permission. I used to think that was the worst.

The one thing I wanted was independence. And I realised to have that independence, you needed financial independence.

I've always decided that I would never be dependant on a man.

I have always told my daughters not to be dependent on anyone in any capacity.

For me, I analyze the modern girl, the girl that I'm friends with, and they're empowered: They pay their own bills. They have their own style. They wear clothes - the clothes don't wear them.

I will not even tell my daughter to get married if she does not find her life partner. I would rather push her for education and financial independence.

I believe that to get what you want as a woman is to use your brain, to have a job, and to not need someone or have to make decisions based on that.

I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself, for I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race. ... I want to say to every Negro woman present, don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!

Once you start carrying your own suitcase, paying your own bills, running your own show, you've done something to yourself that makes you one of those women men like to call 'a pal' and 'a good sport,' the kind of woman they tell their troubles to. But you've cut yourself off from the orchids and the diamond bracelets, except those you buy yourself.

A woman should never, never, never be financially dependent to anyone, especially a man, because the minute you were dependent, you could be abused.

I don't need anybody, I'm successful in life enough to buy myself a f'ing sandwich.

The result of my hard work is that I'm financially independent, I have an amazing life, and I can do whatever I want. I don't have to answer to anybody.

Wealth makes the laws that poverty must obey.

Taking away a person's control of her own life - meaning her bank account - is one of the greatest infringements a democracy can impose, especially when it applies to young people. It is an infringement even if the intent may be perceived as benign and socially valid.

A little in one's own pocket is better than much in another man's purse.

I hope to see women thriving and happy, loving what they're doing, and being in control and powerful of what they create. I guess what I would say is, as much as we all love the fashion and the makeup and the glamour, this isn't a beauty pageant. It's about the heart and the drive and the work. Of course, it's lovely to dress up and compliment one another and feel good - but that shouldn't be the very first thing.

I don't need anyone to hold me, I can hold my own.