These 10 quotes will empower girls like no tomorrow on this International Day of the Girl

October 11th is, as decreed by the UN, International Day of the Girl. We’re obviously all about girl power at HelloGiggles, and are huge proponents of women finding, honing, and sharing their individual voices. Especially in light of the horrible statements that have come out during this election cycle with regards to respect for women, this “holiday” is definitely something we could all use.

To both get you in the ~spirit~ of the holiday and deliver some kickass inspiration to you on this Tuesday, we’ve curated a list of ten empowering quotes written by women who want to remind you that no matter what’s going on in the world, no matter what terrible things people are saying on Facebook, no matter how hopeless and frustrating the fight for equality can feel — you are powerful, you are a person, and you can do anything. We believe in you, ladies.

"Feminism isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength." — G.D. Anderson

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” — Ayn Rand

“I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.” — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

"You don't have to be pretty. You don't owe prettiness to anyone. Not to your boyfriend/spouse/partner, not to your co-workers, especially not to random men on the street. You don't owe it to your mother, you don't owe it to your children, you don't owe it to civilization in general. Prettiness is not a rent you pay for occupying a space marked 'female.'" — Erin McKean

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” — Coco Chanel

"Don't be delicate, be vast and brilliant." — Shinedown 

“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” — Mary Wollstonecraft

“Risk anything! Care no more for the opinion of others … Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.” — Katherine Mansfield

“Whatever you choose, however many roads you travel, I hope that you choose not to be a lady. I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there. And I also hope that you will choose to make some of that trouble on behalf of women." — Nora Ephron