5 Lessons from Famous Feminists You Can Apply to Your Career

You may be the kind of feminist who claims the title and practices the feminist theory you learned all about when you studied women's studies and women's suffrage in college. You even read The Feminine Mystique, maybe even joined some woman suffrage association, can recite all the famous feminist lines from third-wave feminism and really get down on International Women's Day. Or you may be the kind who says, “I’m not a feminist,” (and claims to be against "radical feminism" because it's just so "radical"), but then goes out there and acts like one anyway by totally living out feminist theology. Some of us like belonging to a community of women or men or people on the gender spectrum who shout loudly for equal rights (or for the feminist movement, in particular). And some of us just like to show respect to our mothers on International Women's Day. You may go about your business, vote for what you believe in (like things to improve women's health) and make changes in your own life that matter to gender equality and liberation, but mostly matter to you — whether or not you're a female. 

Whatever the case, here are five shareable lessons on women's empowerment from a famous list of feminists that you can apply to your life and your career right away, regardless of what type of feminist you are (or aren’t). The lessons for this list of feminists are for men and women alike.

Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani advocate for educating women, started by advocating for herself. Then Malala Yousafzai saw the power of education, that it could change the lives of all people, and stood up for those who did not have access to education in her country under the Taliban.  

Women are often more motivated when we’re advocating for others. It’s easier to ask to educate all girls than it is to ask to educate one, when that one is you. Or to march for the rights of all women than to ask for a raise for you.  

Hillary Clinton, one of the most famous and most harshly criticized feminists ever, wisely said, “Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.” 

People will criticize you. They’ll tell you that you’re too aggressive, too bossy, that you “have an edge.” Listen to their criticism and then make a conscious choice about whether or not it’s valid.  

Build rapport with anyone by starting with their WHY, the “what’s in it for them.” When you help other people, you’ll build rapport, trust and long-lasting relationships. But don’t forget to look out for your own needs. Mutually beneficial relationships are your goal, so go back to #1 on this list and ask for what you want too!  

Eleanor Roosevelt was the first First Lady to do more than merely entertain in the White House. She held press conferences, wrote a daily newspaper column, spoke at a National Party Convention, and was an advocate for feminism before the term existed. 

When you act for one, you act for all.  

These lessons from famous feminists can help you take the next step forward in your career and create social change. You don't need to have studied women's studies in college to be a feminist. Every time you speak up, ask for what you want, find ways to ignore the naysayers, learn to communicate in ways that build authentic connections, treat yourself as well as you treat others and learn to use your outward appearance as a tool, you are advancing yourself and other women at work.
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