The 20 Best Feminist Songs – Women Empowerment - Musical Mum (2024)

Music has a great power to evoke change, and throughout the years, there have been many songs have been written as anthems for the feminist movement. Here is a list of 20 of the best feminist songs that continue to inspire us today.

1. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé

First on our list of feminist songs is Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls).” This song is all about female empowerment, with Beyoncé declaring that girls run the world.

It’s a catchy and upbeat tune that will get you pumped up and ready to take on anything. It became an instant feminist anthem when it was released in 2011, and it is still as relevant and popular today.

2. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” is a classic feminist anthem. The song is all about demanding respect from others, and it has been empowering women for decades. It was originally released in 1967, but it’s still widely known for its empowering message.

3. “Q.U.E.E.N.” by Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu

This next song is an anthem for all the queer ladies out there. In “Q.U.E.E.N.”, Janelle Monáe teams up with Erykah Badu to celebrate their respective identities.

The two women rap and sing about not conforming to society’s expectations and norms, and encourage other women to do the same.

4. “Wonder Woman” by Lion Babe

“Wonder Woman” is a song by Lion Babe that celebrates women of all shapes, sizes, and colors. The song is about feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin, no matter what anyone else says or thinks. It was released in 2016 as part of the Begin album which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

5. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Next on the list is this classic disco song from Gloria Gaynor. “I Will Survive” is about a woman who has been wronged by her lover, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, she picks herself up and moves on. The song is empowering, uplifting, and will make you want to dance your heart out.

6. “Just a Girl” by No Doubt

No Doubt is led by the one and only Gwen Stefani, who is known for her powerful and unique voice. In “Just a Girl”, Stefani sings about the double standards that exist between men and women. The song challenges the idea that women are the weaker gender and proves that girls can do anything boys can do.

7. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

‘Fight Song’ is an empowering song about continuing to fight even when the odds seem insurmountable.

It will push you to dig deep and find the strength to keep going when things get tough. This is her most popular track and it has been covered by various artists from all over the world.

8. “None of Your Business” by Salt-N-Pepa

Salt-N-Peppa’s “None of Your Business” is a song about a woman who is tired of being told what she can and can’t do.

She is done with being told what to wear, how to behave, and who she should date. This song is a middle finger to the patriarchy and a rallying cry for women everywhere.

9. “Wannabe” by Spice Girls

The Spice Girls were a force to be reckoned with in the 1990s, and “Wannabe” is arguably their most popular song. The track is about girl power and female friendship, and it urges women to stick together and support one another. It was released in 1996 as part of their Spice album.

10. “The Pill” by Loretta Lynn

“The Pill” is a song about a woman who is taking control of her body and her life. Loretta Lynn sings about the benefits of birth control and how it has empowered her to make her own decisions about her body and her life.

The song was released in 1975 and caused quite a stir due to its frank discussion of contraception. But there’s no denying the relevance of this song and its message.

11. “Oh Bondage! Up Yours!” by X-Ray Spex

Released in 1977, “Oh Bondage! Up Yours!” is a song by X-Ray Spex that is critical of the societal expectation that women should be submissive and obedient.

The song is a call to arms for women everywhere to break free from the shackles of oppression and to live their lives on their own terms.

12. “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Featured in the movie Edge of Seventeen, “Bad Reputation” is a song about not caring what others think of you.

Joan Jett sings about being true to yourself and living your life the way you want to live it, regardless of what others may say or think. The song was released in 1980 and is still just as relevant today.

13. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

We can’t forget Gaga’s anthemic ode to individuality and self-acceptance. The song quickly turned into an anthem for equality, with the singer openly supporting marriage equality.

14. “B*Tch” by Meredith Brooks

“B*tch” is one of the most unapologetically feminist songs of the ’90s. It’s all about a woman who’s fed up with being told she needs to change to be more palatable for others.

The song was a huge hit, and it’s easy to see why. It was released in 1997 as part of the Blurring the Edges album.

15. “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a legend, and “9 To 5” is one of her most iconic songs. It’s an anthem for working women everywhere who are just trying to make a living.

The song was released in 1980 and was included in the soundtrack for the film of the same name. You can also find it on her 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs album.

16. “U.N.I.T.Y.” by Queen Latifah

Released in 1993, “U.N.I.T.Y.” is a song about respect for women. Queen Latifah calls out men who degrade and mistreat women, and she demands respect. It’s a revolutionary song that helped to shape the feminist movement of the ’90s. You can find it on the album Black Reign.

17. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo

The next song on our list is “Good as Hell” by Lizzo. This song is all about empowerment and self-love. It’s a catchy tune that will make you want to dance, and it has an important message.

We all need to love ourselves, no matter what. You can find it on the album Barbershop: The Next Cut (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).

18. “No Scrubs” by TLC

“No Scrubs” is a song about not wasting your time on men who don’t deserve it. The song was released in 1999 and quickly became a hit.

It’s an anthem for women everywhere who want to be respected and treated right. You can find it on the album FanMail, which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

19. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child

Another song from the early 2000s that’s still relevant today is “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. The song is about, you guessed it, survival. It’s an empowering song for women who have been through tough times and come out stronger. You can find it on the album of the same name.

20. “IDGAF” by Dua Lipa

Wrapping up our list is “IDGAF” by Dua Lipa. This song is all about not caring what others think of you. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever been judged or misunderstood.

We all have a right to be ourselves, and this song celebrates that. You can find it on her self-titled album released in 2017.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the many feminist songs out there. There are plenty more to discover, and we encourage you to explore. These songs are empowering, inspiring, and they promote equality for all. So put on your favorite feminist jams and dance like no one’s watching!