International Women's Day 2021: Songs We're Listening To In Celebration Of This Day

March 08, 2021

Cover Destiny's Child is behind the most iconic feminist anthems, including 'Independent Women' and 'Bills, Bills, Bills' (Photo: Instagram/@destinyschild)

From Aretha Franklin to Destiny's Child, this is the ultimate playlist of empowering anthems to celebrate International Women's Day

Take a look at the songs by women for women across different genres that keep our team going every day. We listen to them in the morning as we get ready for work or put them on when we're hanging out with our girls—the perfect reminder that we're strong, independent women who got this.

1. ***Flawless by Beyoncé ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Beyoncé teams up with critically-acclaimed writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who wrote the essay, 'We Should All Be Feminists'.

2. Stronger by Britney Spears

The public narrative around Britney Spears, who has endured unending sexist mistreatment from the music industry since she was 17, has been changing but fans know that she has been at the forefront of making ground-breaking music that speak for women for years.

3. Independent Women, Pt. 1 by Destiny's Child

Above You can never go wrong with a little Destiny's Child.

4. Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves by Aretha Franklin and Eurythmics

Music legends, Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox come together with unbelievable vocals in this empowering tune.

5. Q.U.E.E.N. by Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu

Bold and unapologetically themselves, Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu have been pushing the boundaries of women-led music for years.

6. Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

With her music and revolutionary no make-up movement, Alicia Keys has always stood for female empowerment.

7. Bad Reputation by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Defiance, rebellion, individuality—the key ingredients for a classic female punk rock anthem.

8. Juice by Lizzo

A reminder to love yourself from the unbelievably talented Lizzo, the most recognisable face of the body positivity movement.

9. Ain't Your Mama by Jennifer Lopez

Above You tell 'em, J Lo

10. Man! I Feel Like A Woman by Shania Twain

Above Queen of Country Pop, Shania Twain shook up the male-dominated country music genre with her songs about the female experience since her debut.

11. Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld

Above Loving yourself is the boldest feminist statement you can make in a patriarchal society

12. Cherry Bomb by The Runaways

A classic punk anthem for all the rebel girls out there, who refuse to fit into neat little boxes.

13. 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton

This is a song for the ladies who are grinding everyday, with a special shout-out to those who are killing it in male-dominated workplaces.

14. Bad Girls by M.I.A.

Above M.I.A. perfects the art of protest with this iconic song and music video

15. WOMAN by Karen O and Danger Mouse

Above Jam out to this cool tune by Karen O and Danger Mouse!

16. Wannabe by Spice Girls

Above The Spice Girls have been empowering girls since the '90s to lay down the law, starting with this iconic bop

17. god is a woman by Ariana Grande

Above Ariana Grande's right and that's that

18. Jump by Madonna

One of the many empowering tunes by Queen of Pop, Madonna, alongside 'Express Yourself' and 'Papa Don't Preach'.

19. Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Above Along with Katy Perry's 'Roar', this is the ultimate reminder of your inner strength to face any and all adversity in life

20. Forgive Me by Chloe x Halle

This music video starts with Chloe Bailey reminding you not to ask for permission and instead, ask for forgiveness as you move on to better things in life.