21 Quotes by Bella Abzug
Bella Abzug, a trailblazing lawyer and feminist, left an indelible mark on American politics and social activism. Known for her distinctive hats and uncompromising spirit, Abzug fearlessly fought for women's rights, civil rights, and environmental justice. As one of the first women to be elected to the United States House of Representatives, she shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of women in politics.
Abzug's fiery rhetoric and unwavering commitment to social justice propelled her to the forefront of the feminist movement, where she championed causes such as equal pay, reproductive rights, and the inclusion of women in positions of power. Her advocacy work extended far beyond legislative efforts, as she co-founded organizations such as the National Women's Political Caucus and Women Strike for Peace, mobilizing women and amplifying their voices. Bella Abzug's boldness, tenacity, and unyielding dedication to justice serve as an inspiration for activists around the world, reminding us of the power of grassroots movements and the lasting impact of those who refuse to remain silent.
Bella Abzug Quotes
The test for whether or not you can hold a job should not be the arrangement of your chromosomes.
I prefer the word 'homemaker' because 'housewife' always implies that there may be a wife someplace else.
Women will not simply be mainstreamed into the polluted stream. Women are changing the stream, making it clean and green and safe for all - every gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, age, and ability.
Never go back, never apologize, and never forget we're half the human race.
Women have been trained to speak softly and carry a lipstick. Those days are over.
Women will change the nature of power, rather than power changing the nature of women. (Meaning)
In the face of so much pain, I remain an incurable optimist. I am fueled by the passion of the women I have been privileged to meet and work with, buoyed by their hope for peace, justice, and democracy.
Congress is a middle-aged, middle-class, white male power structure ... no wonder it's been so totally unresponsive to the needs of this country.
Our struggle today is not to have a female Einstein get appointed as an assistant professor. It is for a woman schlemiel to get as quickly promoted as a male schlemiel.
Women's struggle for equality worldwide is about more than equality between men and women. Our struggle is about reversing the trends of social, economic, political, and ecological crisis - a global nervous breakdown! Our struggle is about creating sustainable lives and attainable dreams.
the women's movement, not only here in the U.S., but worldwide, is bigger and stronger than ever before and in places where it has never been. It has arms. It has legs. And most importantly, it has heads.
The inside operation of Congress - the deals, the compromises, the selling out, the co-opting, the unprincipled manipulating, the self-serving career-building - is a story of such monumental decadence that I believe if people find out about it they will demand an end to it.
They used to give us a day-it was called International Women's Day. In 1975 they gave us a year, the Year of the Woman. Then from 1975 to 1985 they gave us a decade, the Decade of the Woman. I said at the time, who knows, if we behave they may let us into the whole thing. Well, we didn't behave and here we are.
In Britain the government has to come down in front of Parliament every day to explain its actions, but here the President never answers directly to Congress.
They are a very extensive minority who have suffered discrimination and who have the same right to participation in the promise and fruits of society as every other individual.
Maybe we weren't at the Last Supper, but we're certainly going to be at the next one.
If we get a government that reflects more of what this country is really about, we can turn the century - and the economy - around.
We need laws that protect everyone - men and women, straights and gays, regardless of sexual perversion...ah, persuasion.
All the men on my staff can type.
Abortion doesn't belong in the political arena. It's a private right, like many other rights concerning the family.
We have done almost everything in pairs since Noah, except govern. And the world has suffered for it.
― Bella Abzug Quotes
Bella Abzug (Lawyer) Life Highlights
- Bella Abzug was born on July 24, 1920, in New York City, USA.
- Her birth name was Bella Savitsky.
- She was an American lawyer, feminist, and politician.
- Bella Abzug was a prominent figure in the women's movement during the 1960s and 1970s.
- She was known for her outspoken and assertive advocacy for women's rights and social justice.
- Abzug co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus and was involved in the formation of the National Women's Conference in 1977.
- She played a significant role in the passage of several landmark laws, including the Equal Rights Amendment and Title IX.
- Abzug was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, becoming one of the first women to represent New York in Congress.
- She served in Congress from 1971 to 1977, representing the 19th and later the 20th congressional districts of New York.
- Bella Abzug was known for her trademark hats, often wearing large-brimmed hats as a symbol of her distinctiveness.
- After leaving Congress, she ran for the U.S. Senate and New York City mayor but was not successful in those campaigns.
- Abzug remained active in public life and continued to advocate for various causes, including nuclear disarmament and human rights.
- She was a tireless supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and fought for their rights.
- Bella Abzug passed away on March 31, 1998, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering activism and advocacy for women's rights.
- Her work continues to inspire women and activists around the world.
* The editor of this curated page made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any sayings, quotes, facts, dates, or key life events.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
