It’s International Women’s Day on March 8th.
Here in London there’s a Women’s March! So, in preparation for this very important time of the year, I’ve drawn up a top ten list of invigorating, inspiring feminist anthems to motivate and remind us of just why tackling misogyny, sexism, patriarchy and the abuse of women’s rights worldwide is just so important!
Check out these gems and find out who’s number one!
10. Alicia Keys: “Superwoman”
Top inspiring lyrics:
For all the mothers fighting
For better days to come
And all my women, all my women sitting here trying
To come home before the sun
And all my sisters coming together
Say: “Yes I will!”
“Yes I can!”
9. Jill Scott: “Hate on Me”
Top inspiring lyrics:
You cannot hate on me ’cause my mind is free
Feel my destiny, so shall it be
You cannot hate on me ’cause my mind is free
Feel my destiny, so shall it be
8. Cheb Khaled: “Aicha”
*Bear with me on this one – it’s a surprising find. Make sure you’re following the translation!*
Top inspiring lyrics:
She said: “Keep your treasures
I’m worth more than that
Bars are still bars even if they’re made of gold
I want the same rights as you
and respect each and every day
I only want love.”
7. Barbara Streisand: “Don’t Rain on My Parade”
Top inspiring lyrics:
Get ready for me, love
‘Cause I’m a “comer”
I simply gotta march
My heart’s a drummer
Nobody, no, nobody
Is gonna rain on my parade!
6. Helen Reddy: “I’m A Woman”
Top inspiring lyrics:
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an’ pretend
‘Cause I’ve heard it all before
And I’ve been down there on the floor
No one’s ever gonna keep me down again
5. No Doubt: “Just a Girl”
Top inspiring lyrics:
‘Cause I’m just a girl
I’d rather not be
‘Cause they won’t let me drive
Late at night
Oh I’m just a girl
Guess I’m some kind of freak
‘Cause they all sit and stare
With their eyes
Oh I’m just a girl
Take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype
Oh, I’ve had it up to here!
4. Eurythmics: “Sisters are Doin’ It for Themselves”
Top inspiring lyrics:
‘Cause there’s somethin’ we forgot to say to you (we say)
Standin’ on their own two feet
And ringin’ on their own bells
Sisters are doin’ it for themselves
3. Dolly Parton: “Just Because I’m a Woman”
Top inspiring lyrics:
My mistakes are no worse than yours
Just because I’m a woman
Now a man will take a good girl
And he’ll ruin her reputation
But when he wants to marry
Well, that’s a different situation
2. Nina Simone: “Four Women”
*Trigger warning*
Top inspiring lyrics (apart from the whole song!):
My skin is yellow
My hair is long
Between two worlds
I do belong
My father was rich and white
He forced my mother late one night
What do they call me
My name is SAFFRONIA
My name is Saffronia
1. Lesley Gore: “You Don’t Own Me”
Top inspiring lyrics:
Don’t try to change me in any way
You don’t own me
Don’t tie me down ’cause I’d never stay
I don’t tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That’s all I ask of you
BONUS SONG!
Yes, wait for it! Here’s one extra song to push you to action as it shakes every cell in your feminist body for all the wrong reasons…! (Gah, frustration!)
James Brown: “It’s a Man’s Man’s World”
Top head-against-a-wall lyrics:
But it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
Man made the train to carry the heavy load
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark
But it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
So, ladies and gents, as we continue to say “Times up!” to sexism and patriarchy, turn up the volume and tune into these great anthems to inspire you in whatever way you’re working/looking to make a difference.
Simply standing out and spreading, declaring “Time’s up!” is in itself a great way to show the world that we recognise that women have rights (many in fact!) but that there’s also sadly so much more that needs to be done to fight sexism, misogyny, patriarchal practices and attitudes and the gross violation of women’s rights worldwide.
In the meantime, enjoy the tunes! 🙂
Salam, shalom, peace! ♡
Voice of Salam 