It's important to underscore this overriding fact: women are not just victims of conflict-they are agents of peace and agents of change.
From her concession speech: Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it...You can be so proud that, from now on, it will be unremarkable for a woman to win primary state victories, unremarkable to have a woman in a close race to be our nominee, unremarkable to think that a woman can be the President of the United States. And that is truly remarkable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the progress made in breaking gender barriers in politics, emphasizing that it's now more commonplace to see women in prominent roles.
Hillary Clinton's quote reflects on the significant strides made toward gender equality in politics. While she acknowledges that she did not break the ultimate barrier of becoming president, she celebrates the many advances that have been made, represented by '18 million cracks' in the metaphorical glass ceiling. The idea is that these achievements will lead to a future where seeing women in leadership roles, such as becoming a nominee or president, becomes a normal expectation, rather than a groundbreaking event, indicating a shift in societal perceptions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for women's rights and representation.
More from Hillary Clinton
All quotes →The worst thing that can happen in a democracy - as well as in an individual's life - is to become cynical about the future and lose hope.
First, we parents have to back up school authority and quit making excuses for our kids when they misbehave.
The first lesson I've learned is that no matter what you do in your life, you have to figure out your own internal rhythms - I mean, what works for you doesn't necessarily work for your friend.
I feel like every day, every minute I have to make the most of.
It does not matter what country we live in, who our leaders are, or even who we are. Because we are human, we therefore have rights. And because we have rights, governments are bound to protect them.
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When Nelson Mandela walked free, the world sang with joy. Ever since, South Africa has stood as a beacon of hope for Africa.
The great creators - the thinkers, the artists, the scientists, the inventors - stood alone against the men of their time. Every great new thought was opposed. Every great new invention was denounced. The first motor was considered foolish. The airplane was considered impossible... But the men of unborrowed vision went ahead. They fought, they suffered and they paid. But they won.
I am so beautiful, sometimes people weep when they see me. And it has nothing to do with what I look like really, it is just that I gave myself the power to say that I am beautiful, and if I could do that, maybe there is hope for them too. And the great divide between the beautiful and the ugly will cease to be. Because we are all what we choose.
If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.
From my earliest youth, I have known that while one is obliged to plan with care the stages of one's journey, one is entitled to dream, and keep dreaming, of its destination. A man may feel as old as his years yet as young as his dreams.
When I walk up on that shore in Florida, I want millions of those AARP sisters and brothers to look at me and say, 'I'm going to go write that novel I thought it was too late to do. I'm going to go work in Africa on that farm that those people need help at. I'm going to adopt a child. It's not too late, I can still live my dreams.'