by Sonia Sonseca C.
It is well known that culture is a powerful vehicle to transmit values in whatever the current era.
So, let`s talk about the songs of those female artists throughout history who have chosen to use their music and livelihoods to bring order and give women their rightful place. Using the means at their disposal, they achieved the maximum range of messages – indispensable for society – that was needed for the equality and empowerment of women.
These heroines used their most precious instrument to support the cause and be heard throughout in all current media. One of the main objectives was to encourage women to get rid of the taboos and prejudices so they could fight together to end all stereotypes that promoted inequality.
What better way to transmit these positives and feminist values than through music. Here are some of those songs that have accompanied us throughout our lives.
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“You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore – 1963
Although the song was launched in 1963, its main theme speaks of a woman controlling her own body, her choices and the direction of her life.
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“Respect” by Aretha Franklin – 1967
A hymn sung by one of the greatest voices of all time. This song talks about a young, confident and independent woman who speaks directly to her man and lets him know everything she wants. However, he seems not to respect it. Aretha made it one of the most famous female empowerment hymns of all time.
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“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor – 1978
Another mythical song in which it describes a strong woman who is no longer going to endure more misfortunes from her partner. The composition tells the story of a woman recovering from a love break, remembering that the departure of a couple does not mean the end.
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“I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan – 1978
This theme has the ability to remind a woman of the inner greatness she possesses. The first part invites everyone to believe in themselves and do so “naturally”
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“Just a Girl” by No doubt – 1995
Gwen Stefani talks about her disagreement with the female stereotypes that society protects.
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“Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain – 1997
This song is one of the feminist hymns par excellence. The singer invites women of several generations to have fun and raise their voices without any inhibitions.
“Man, I Feel Like a Woman” video
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“A Woman’s Worth” by Alicia Keys – 2001
In the case of Alicia Keys, she talks about what she deserves as a woman in a relationship: that her partner values her for what she is and that, therefore, must act accordingly.
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“Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child – 2001
Led by Beyoncé, this American trio was one of the leading groups of women`s independence, thanks to songs like this one.
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“Miss Independent” by Kelly Clarkson – 2003
The combination of pop rock rhythms with R&B influences gives this song a perfect environment that speaks of an independent woman who manages to overcome her own emotional barriers and fall in love with self-sufficiency.
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“Who Run the World? (Girls)” by Beyoncé – 2011
On one of her tours, Beyoncé included the word “feminism” on a big screen not to proclaim the world feminist, but for people to understand its true meaning. There are still many people who do not understand what it is to be a feminist. According to her, being a feminist is “Someone who believes in equal rights for men and women.” Feminism means equality, never superiority, and in this song Beyoncé is very clear.
“Who Run the World (Girls)” video
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“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga – 2011
Lady Gaga speaks in “Born this way” about the struggle for equality, about the importance of loving oneself and making oneself heard.
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“Roar” by Katy Perry – 2013
Katy Perry mentions confidence in herself, and how to go from being a follower to a true leader who raises her voice. The lyrics deepen about having confidence in oneself, to stop being a follower and become a leader who make her voice heard and strong.
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“Ain’t Your Mama” by Jennifer Lopez – 2016
J.Lo made a strong statement to men who think women should be at their service. In one of its most important parts, the New Yorker asks to remember that she is “too good” to just be a person who serves another.
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“God is a Woman” by Ariana Grande – 2018
The 25-year-old artist invites women to listen to this song to enjoy sex without guilt or inhibitions. Ariana even made it clear on Twitter that sexual relations are also a type of “empowerment” by cataloging them as a “source of life.”
WHAT IS YOUR GIRL POWER ANTHEM?
Add your favorite girl power anthems to our list in the comments below!!! Our recommendation: Listen to a couple of them a day to remember what you are worth, who you are, and all that you deserve!
Women are going to TAKE OVER 2020 – starting with Women United March, January 25, 2020 – First Ward Park. Download our collaborative Spotify Playlist of the above songs HERE and JOIN US. We’ll ALL be there!
Author Sonia Sonseca C. recently moved to Charlotte from Spain. She reached out to Charlotte Women’s March and offered her journalism and law skills as a volunteer. Professionally she worked as a lawyer in Unive Abogados, a law firm specializing in Banking Law, Arriaga Asociados, as a legal advisor and Chávarri & Múñoz for attorneys doing legal, commercial, drafting claims, customer recruitment and tracking. She has also worked in Media at MUY INTERESANTE magazine. With her wide work experience, communication, marketing, travel, decoration and coaching and talent management are some of her great hobbies. Volunteering with CWM is an opportunity for Sonia to hone her English skills, as learning new languages is also a pleasure.
Author Sources include:
1.- “10 songs that empower women”
2.- “20 hymns of female empowerment that every woman needs to hear”
3.- “8 songs full of “ girl power” that you want to hear”
4.- “ 20 pop songs that talk about female empowerment”
Photos courtesy of Photos by Pike and Jon Strayhorn
My personal women power anthem….Helen Reddy’s I am Woman Hear Me Roar…love it!
I love Woman by Kesha!
Scars To Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara and Sit Still, Look Pretty by Daya are some of my favorites!
Don’t forget: “People Have the Power” (by Patty Smith) As she says: People have the power to redeem the work of fools.
and
“Is She With You?” (aka Wonder Woman Theme by Hans Zimmer/Batman vs Superman)
This song makes me want to slay the bad buys.
why is this Woman’s March now and not with the National Women’s March?