International Women's Day connects women around the world and encourages them to achieve their full potential.
ActionAid Ireland has invited inspirational Irish female personalities from all walks of life to share their favourite quotes with us. Quotes that inspire them in their daily lives. What's your favourite inspirational quote? Post it on our Facebook page and inspire other fantastic ladies today!
Darina Allen, Celebrity Chef and Owner of Ballymaloe Cookery School
You must be the change you want to be
Mahatma Ghandi
I chose this quote because I feel that this is the challenge for all of us on a daily basis.
Maria Doyle Kennedy, Actress from the Tudors & Musican
It's the smallest stone no one sees gives all the balance
Dermot Healy
Christine O'Sullivan, Winner of Master Chef Ireland
Life isn't about finding yourself it's about creating yourself
This is my most recent favourite quote, it's this one that stuck with me when I was pushing myself to achieve things!
Moya Doherty, Producer of Riverdance
The time will come when, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror, and each will smile at the other’s welcome and say, sit here. Eat.
From the Poem 'Love after Love' by Derek Walcott
Cathy Kelly, Best Selling Novelist, Popular Female Fiction
There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women
Madeleine Albright
This quote informs and inspires my work and my life, I firmly believe in mentoring people especially other women. I think that women who are at a certain level in their field should help women on their way up. Mentoring is vital yet it is rare in Ireland in general. Over the years I have mentored many women writers and I love seeing them succeed. The joy of giving is something you receive threeforld in return in how it makes you feel.
Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, Visionary, Social Innovator and a member of the congregation of Religious Sisters of Charity
Our time is now!
Olga McDonogh, CEO of ActionAid Ireland
A heartfelt smile gives warmth enough for three winters
Mongolian Proverb
Sharon Ni Bheolain, RTE News Presenter
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Confucius
Ivana Bacik, Politician and Academic
A feminist is anyone who recognises the equality and full humanity of women and men
Gloria Steinem
Twink, Actress and well loved Pantomine Star
3 wise women would have: asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, brought practical gifts and there would be peace on Earth!
I have been quoting this long enough to cheekily call it my own
Terry Prone, Journalist, and Communications Advisor
If you like someone, admire them or love them, tell them. Life is very short and people die, never knowing how much they meant to others.
Howard Kinlay, radio producer after whom Kinlay House on Dame Street is named.
Jenny Huston, DJ and RTE Radio Presenter
Fear lasts for seconds, regrets last for life. Feel the fear and do it anyway
Susan Jeffers
Frances Black, Singer and founder of The Rise Foundation
Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy - the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light
Brené Brown
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Politician and Mother
When the going gets tough the tough get going. Smile and the world smiles with you, weep and you weep alone.
My Dad
Kathleen McMahon, RTE Journalist and Author
I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen Grellet Quaker Minister. 1773-1855
I have a few favorite quotes - but this is one I keep returning to
Dearbhla Glynn, Film Maker, gives a voice to Human Rights Activists in Gaza
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community
A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. Mahatma Gandhi
In my work I see amazing small groups alter the course of their communities through their advocacy, volunteerism, philanthropy and belief in a better community for all who live in it. That no matter if you are an older person, a teenager, a single mother or one who is severely challenged by addiction there is a place in your community for you. This quote reminds me of those determined spirits.
Sybil Mulcahy, Journalist & TV Presenter
When bad things happen to you in life you can’t think Why me, rather Why Not me.
Glenda Gilson, TV Presenter & Model
To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.
Yvonne McKenna, CEO of Volunteer Ireland
Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Deirdre Garvey, CEO of The Wheel
As a fundraiser, the best guidance I have received and it applies to all parts of my work is that when interacting with someone I hope to influence,
'no' needs to be intrepreted as 'not yet'!
It allows for follow-up contact which inevitably leads to some positive outcome for both parties.
Agata Stoinks, Photographer, Irish Polish Community
The More You Give The More You Get & It is better to regret something you HAVE done than something you haven't.
Annalisa O’Carroll, Head of Social Impact at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn.
Gloria Steinem
Fiona Sexton, Digital Communications Manager, ActionAid Ireland
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
Marian Wright Edelman, American Activist
Cliodhna O’Leary, Accountant, ActionAid Ireland
If at first you don’t succeed – Try and Try again & Every Little Helps!
By my parents and Tesco respectively
Annelien Groten, Country Programme Manager, ActionAid Ireland
Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.
Marie Curie
Andrea Roche, Model
Gentleness, self-sacrifice and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.
Mahatma Gandhi
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