International Women’s Day 2024 is upon us, celebrating women and femmes both globally and locally. Appreciating the amazing women in our lives is not just for March 8, yet we can still look back on some of the most inspirational Scottish women out there and some of their best quotes out there.
1. Frances Wright
Frances Wright was an avid advocate for equal rights, slavery, birth control and more, and was a pioneer of feminism in 19th-century America. Born in Dundee, she moved to the US at a young age.
Best quotes: “All that I say is, examine, inquire. Look into the nature of things. Search out the grounds of your opinions, the for and against. Know why you believe, understand what you believe, and possess a reason for the faith that is in you.”
“Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it.”
2. Muriel Spark
Muriel Spark was a Scottish novelist born in Edinburgh in 1918. The author received a myriad of accolades throughout her career, and made The Times list of the 50 greatest British writers at number eight.
Best Muriel Spark quotes: “I have frequently told you, and the holidays just past have convinced me, that my prime has truly begun. One’s prime is elusive. You little girls, when you grow up, must be on the alert to recognise your prime at whatever time of your life it may occur.”, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
“Never apologise, never explain.”
3. Mary Somerville
Mary Somerville was a Scottish writer, scientist and polymath, and the first person to be named a “scientist” in writing. What is more, she was the first female Honorary Member of the Royal Astronomical Society. During her career, Somerville assisted in the discovery of Neptune, and started the hypothesis on the existence of Uranus.
Best quote: “No circumstance in the natural world is more inexplicable than the diversity of form and colour in the human race.”
4. Annie Lennox
Most of us have heard the name Annie Lennox before, as the Scottish singer-songwriter has taken the world by storm with multiple hits. The “No More I Love You’s” star is also a political activist and philanthropist, advocating and raising awareness for HIV/AIDS, as well as the founder of the SING Campaign and The Circle, a women’s empowerment charity. It is no surprise Annie Lennox has some of the best inspirational quotes from Scottish women out there!
Best quotes: “Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.”
“I get very frustrated when I hear women saying, “Oh, feminism is passé,” because I think feminism means empowerment. Men can be feminists, too! Many men are feminists. We need feminism. It’s not against men; it’s about the empowerment of women. It’s the respect of women – giving women equal rights, the same opportunities.”
“I think that you can only be true to yourself. Nobody can live up to other people’s expectations. You will always let them down. There will always be something they won’t like about you.”
5. Mary Burton
Mary Burton was an independent social and educational reformer in the mid-19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, leaving a lasting legacy.
Best quotes: “Don’t skip school,” Sharp cautioned. “The monsters love the girls that colour outside the lines.”
“Knowledge is power. Always pays to be nice until nice no longer serves you.”
“Make a wish and it will be granted along with all the unintended consequences.”