The earliest celebration of International Women's Day was in 1909. That year, the Socialist Party of America dedicated the day to honoring
It's International Women's Day — here are 23 quotes from the strongest feminist voices around the world
From authors to political leaders these women are speaking out on the importance of gender equality.
Hillary Clinton: former Secretary of State, former New York Senator and 2016 Democratic nominee for President of the United States
Emma Watson: actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
Gloria Steinem: journalist and political activist
Malala Yousafzai: humanitarian and youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate
Sheryl Sandberg: COO of Facebook, founder of LeanIn.org and author
Bell Hook: author of "Feminist Theory"
Michelle Obama: former First Lady of the United States
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Supreme Court Justice
Melinda Gates: co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Betty Friedan: author of "The Feminine Mystique"
Beyoncé: singer, songwriter and actress
Lori Greiner: inventor, entrepreneur, and television personality
Jessica Alba: actress, philanthropist and co-founder of The Honest Company
Cecile Richards: president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Dilma Rousseff: first female president of Brazil
Amal Clooney: barrister and philanthropist
Cheris Kramarae: author of "A Feminist Dictionary"
Coco Chanel: famed fashion designer and businesswoman
Jennifer Aniston: actress, producer, and businesswoman
Ursula Burns: former CEO and current chairperson of Xerox
Madonna: performer, businesswoman and philanthropist
Katie Couric: journalist and author
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