5 Awe-Inspiring Poems On Women Empowerment To Motivate You

“While men have politely debated free will, we have howled for it,   

Howl still, pacing the centuries, tragedy heroines.” 

Pro Femina – Carolyn Kizer

 

Humans have been using poetry to express the most visceral of emotions since the beginning of time. Words and ideas that find a home in a poem are sometimes powerful enough to change personal beliefs, stir social change, and transform politics – all at once. 

Something about poetry is innately synonymous with “empowerment,” especially for women. Whether it is to channel their femininity or question age-old oppressive norms, poetry is to women what freedom is to a prisoner. 

Although countless poems serve as a testament to womanhood, the following five poems do a good job of capturing the essence of women’s empowerment. And the best part? All of these are written by women!  

 

1) Phenomenal Woman – Maya Angelou

Phenomenal Woman is a lyrical poem that celebrates femininity and encourages women to be comfortable in their own skin. First published in 1978, this poem has become a staple piece of literature for women’s empowerment.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

 

About the Author

 

Maya Angelou needs no introduction. An ever-prolific writer, Angelou paved the way for political activism with her words. Her legacy is an eternal symbol of the power of words and that of women.

Read Phenomenal Woman | Still I Rise

 

2) Hum Gunahgaar Aurten – Kishwar Naheed

Hum Gunahgaar Aurten is provocative, empowering poetry at its best. Originally written in Urdu, the poem voices a direct challenge to various patriarchal and cultural norms. 

*The following excerpt from the poem is translated by Rukhsana Ahmed.

It is we, sinful women

while those who sell the harvests of our bodies

become exalted

become distinguished

become the just princes of the material world.

 

About the Author

 

Kishwar Naheed is a well-known Pakistani poet, a feminist, and an activist in the women empowerment movement. Hum Gunahgaar Aurten put her in the literary spotlight. Although her feminist values have recently come into question due to some events, the poem continues to empower Pakistani women worldwide. 

Read: Hum Gunahgaar Aurten | Khudaon Se Keh Do

 

3) The Birthday of The World – Marge Piercy

In The Birthday of The World, the narrator reminisces and ponders upon her place in the world. In what seems to be an internal monologue, she questions how much of an impact she can make on her surroundings.

No, this year I want to call

myself to task for what

I have done and not done

for peace. How much have

I dared in opposition?

How much have I put

on the line for freedom?

 

About the Author

 

Marge Piercy is a feminist writer of fiction, poetry, and memoir. Her work is grounded in the examination of women, relationships, and emotions. Piercy’s words express that she is ready to change the world and encourage countless other women to do the same.

Read: The Birthday of the World | To Be of Use

 

4) “A Woman Speaks” – Audre Lorde

A Woman Speaks is a poem that serves as beautiful, confessional poetry and directly questions oppressive norms. Through the use of vivid imagery, the speaker accurately describes the struggle of an African-American woman.

 

I have been woman

for a long time

beware my smile

I am treacherous with old magic

and the noon’s new fury

with all your wide futures

promised

I am

woman

and not white.

About the Author

 

Audre Lorde was a passionate Black poet. Her work reflects her life as a Black, homosexual woman and therefore confronts deep-rooted issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Lorde and her poetry impart a universal message of courage and bravery for all women.

Read: A Woman Speaks | From the House of Yemanjá

 

5) “Pocket-Sized Feminism” – Blythe Baird

Pocket-Sized Feminism is a slam poem that addresses the problematic behavior towards feminists and females in general. Primarily, the poem encourages the modern woman to acknowledge and confront these facets, and in doing so, evokes a sense of women empowerment.

We are the daughters

of men who warned us about the news

and the missing girls on the milk carton

and the sharp edge of the world.

They begged us to be careful. To be safe.

Then told our brothers to go out and play.

About the Author

 

Blythe Baird is a spoken word artist. Her work tackles important issues that are often glossed over, including body image, mental health, and women empowerment. At just 23 years of age, Baird is already making a change by empowering, encouraging, and supporting young girls worldwide. 

Watch: Pocket-Sized Feminism | When the Fat Girl Gets Skinny

More from us on women empowerment here.