
Inspiring quotes that will open new doors for you: A mother out and about with her children with grandma in tow. Courtesy of Nandos
Thursday 8th March marked International women’s day, celebrating women’s achievement. We don’t always learn about their success, but continuing with the celebration, let’s look at a few inspirational quotes from some influential women from different walks of life who have made history during their journey. These inspiring quotes will open new doors for you.
“In many industries it can be hard for a woman because we are expected to juggle career, motherhood and everything else. It’s difficult and can sometimes lead to unnecessary guilt.” Mica Paris
Women should be allowed to choose a career they are passionate about and whatever they put their mind to. We should also be able to free ourselves from unrealistic expectations of others.
Quotes by Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks made history and was on a journey home when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white folk in Alabama. This act of courage made her an icon during the civil rights movement. She believed in making a stand for what is right and so should you.
“The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.
I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.
Each person must live their life as a model for others.
Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.
I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.
Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.
Have you ever been hurt and the place tries to heal a bit, and you just pull the scar off of it over and over again?
I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.
All I was doing was trying to get home from work.
My only concern was to get home after a hard day’s work.” Rosa Parks
The moral of this story is to never give up and to stand up for what is right.
Michelle Obama quotes:
Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the US from 2009 to 2017. She is a lawyer and a writer in her own right. One of her quotes was about venturing out.
“Just try new things. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar, all right?” Michelle Obama

Jubilant women
This quote will resonate with some of us if you believe in stepping out of you routine.
“You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience in facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.” Michelle Obama
Maya Angelou
Maya was a poet, author as well as a civil rights activist. A few of her quotes include:
“There is no agony
like bearing an untold story inside of you.” Maya Angelou
When we travel to a place there is always a story to be told afterwards.
“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” –Miriam Adeney
“Traveling carries with it the curse of being at home everywhere and yet nowhere, for wherever one is, some part of oneself remains on another continent.” –Margot Fonteyn
Hannah Arendt
Hannah was a political philosopher.
“Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than at any other time.” –Hannah Arendt
Travelling is one of those activities that we do for pleasure. We travel to escape the conundrum, to see distant shores, for business or to see family in various parts of the globe. Unlike decades ago we weren’t aloud to travel as much as we do these days where we can get around in groups or solo.
Travelling opens the eyes and will sometimes be a solution to a curious or ignorant mind. An act, which can be achieved by learning about different people, cultures and dishes.
“Travelling is an escapism from the harshness, bumps, turmoil of the world.” – Bola Akande 2nd July 14

A jubilant woman celebrating and having a taste of freedom
Hi Bola. Great post about inspiring women of the world. I think my fav quote is this one: “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” –Miriam Adeney
As far as someone who inspires me, and has changed the way I travel, I would have to say it’s my friend, Virginia. I first travelled overseas with her in 2010 and learned how her easy going nature made travel so much more fun. No worries. Just adventures!
That’s my favourite poem as well and it’s true. Once you’ve caught the travel bug you’re never quite the same. There is always this urge to go places. I was inspired by my parents to travel. It’s best enjoyed woth an easy going companion. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Great article Bola.
I am inspired by women who have a zest for life and are intent at making a difference. They are not afraid to make a stand whether it is alone or with supporters. They are true to themselves and their cause. You have mentioned some truly inspirational women in your article.
I was interested to read Rosa Parks was in fact not physically tired on the day she refused to give up her seat but tired of the oppression.
I also believe that we can learn from their struggles. Let’s hope that more women take the courage to stand up for themselves.