Girl Power Mixed Tape: Music For International Women's Day

There are so many different ways to celebrate International Women's Day, including listening to empowering music. But this list isn't just for one day.

If you feel down and defeated or you just need a quick reminder that you've got this hit up this playlist. And remember you're a beautiful, powerful woman and there's nothing you can't do!

"Girl on Fire" – Alicia Keys

First on our list of music for International Women's Day is "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys. The lyrics empower women to be confident, fierce, and unapologetic, while also acknowledging the challenges they may face. The song's catchy beat and uplifting message make it an inspiring anthem for women everywhere.

"Bitch" – Meredith Brooks

"Bitch" by Meredith Brooks encourages women to reject labels and be true to themselves. It's an anthem for women who refuse to be boxed in by societal expectations and demand respect for their individuality.

"Until women integrate their shadow selves they can't become whole."

— Meredith Brooks

"Flowers" – Miley Cyrus

"Flowers" by Miley Cyrus is a celebration of self-love and discovery. The lyrics encourage women to keep thriving despite the challenges they may face. And it reminds us that we don't need to be a couple to be happy.

"I Drink Wine" – Adele

The song "I Drink Wine" by Adele is a song about how you have to shed your ego and accept who you are before you can be the person you want to be.

In an interview with Vogue, Adele talked about the breakdown of her relationship with her son's father Simon Konecki. She shares, "Neither of us did anything wrong. Neither of us hurt each other or anything like that. It was just: I want my son to see me really love, and be loved. It’s really important to me."

"Girls Just Want To Have Fun" – Cyndi Lauper

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper is a classic pop anthem that's become synonymous with female empowerment. At its core, it's a celebration of female agency and independence. It's also a reminder that women can pursue their own interests and enjoy themselves without judgment or interference from others.

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"Stronger" – Kelly Clarkson

"Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson encourages them to find strength in their own abilities and to rise above adversity. The song's lyrics speak to the struggles that many women face, such as heartbreak and disappointment, but also offer an optimistic message of hope and resilience.

"Hold On" – Wilson Phillips

"Hold On" speaks to the struggles that many women face in their personal and professional lives. Its message of hope and support is a reminder that women are not alone in their struggles and that there is always a way forward.

"Independent Women (Part 1)" – Destiny's Child

"Independent Women" by Destiny's Child reminds women that they don't need to depend on someone else to live their lives and buy the things they want. The song urges women to embrace their own individuality, prioritize their own needs and desires, and reject societal expectations and gender norms.

"Firework" – Katy Perry

"Firework" by Katy Perry encourages women to embrace their unique qualities and to believe in their worth and potential. The song's lyrics offer a message of hope and optimism, urging women to overcome their fears and shine brightly in their own lives.

In an interview with MTV, Perry shares, "I think that's why I wrote it, is because I really believe in people and I believe that people have a spark to be a firework."

"Stronger" – Britney Spears

Next on the list of music for International Women's Day is "Stronger" by Britney Spears. This song offers up a message of self-empowerment and personal growth. It urges women to move on from toxic situations and to believe in their own strength and resilience.

"Shake It Off" – Taylor Swift

"Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift encourages women to embrace their true selves and not let the negative opinions of others bring them down. The lyrics also encourage women to be true to themselves and to embrace their unique qualities, rather than trying to please others.

"Love Myself" – Hailee Steinfeld

Many people think that Hailee Steinfeld's "Love Myself" is about a different kind of self-love but Steinfeld has said she wants the people who listen to it to feel self-confident. "Regardless of how they interpreted it, that’s all that matters to me at the end of the day." Hailee continues, "It’s something I need to remind myself of — how much power it is in being able to love yourself."

"Woman" – Kesha (coarse language)

Kesha's song "Woman" may be filled with course language, but it's also a great choice when you need some female empowerment. As Kesha explains ...

"I have always been a feminist, but for much of my life, I felt like a little girl trying to figure things out. In the past few years, I have felt like a woman more than ever. I just feel the strength and awesomeness and power of being female. We hold the key to humanity. We decide if we populate the Earth, and if so, with whom.

She continues, "We could just decide not to have any more kids and the human race would be over. That is power. I just really f---king love being a woman and I wanted an anthem for anyone else who wants to yell about being self-sufficient and strong. (Yes, men, this song can be for you too.)"

"Wannabe" – Spice Girls

A girl power mix tape isn't complete without the Spice Girls.

The group's "girl power" message was often under fire for exploiting feminism. But as Andi Zeilser, cofounder of Bitch magazine explains, "I think it’s possible to say, on the one hand, the Spice Girls and girl power were this very contrived marketing technique. And that’s true ... But that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t very real for the Girls themselves, or for the audience. I grew up with feminism as an irredeemably dirty word. No one wanted to be associated with it. So just the optics of having a group of women talking about feminism in a different language, making it accessible — that’s really important.”

While any number of the Spice Girls' songs would be a great addition to this International Women's Day playlist, we decided to go with the song that started it all. "Wannabe," the group's first single, is all about the value of female friendship, embracing sexuality, and addressing the male gaze.

The Story Behind "Wannabe"

More impactful is the powerful message behind the song's release. When the Spice Girls wrote "Wannabe," everybody but them seemed to hate it, management and investors included. But the women were not going to change their stance. They wanted "Wannabe" to be their lead single ... it wasn't negotiable. Standing up to a label like this was unheard of in the pop industry at the time. But the girls wanted to make it clear that they were in control of their futures.

"Wannabe" was released in 1996 and by March of the following year, it had topped the charts in 37 countries.

If that isn't an empowering message about standing up for what you believe in and being in charge of your destiny, who knows what is ...

Hopefully, this music acts as an inspiration for your own International Women's Day playlist. After all, this list barely scratches the surface ... there are so many incredible artists with powerful messages that inspire women.

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