Female empowerment is all about embracing our true selves and uplifting every woman. The best girl power songs of all time do exactly that, helping us feel confident, resilient and unapologetically ourselves. From iconic feminist anthems of the 1970s to modern pop hits, these empowering songs by women have become the soundtrack to female confidence and solidarity.
Best 2020s Girl Power Songs
Female empowerment songs in the recent decade showcase the progress of female artists across the years. Today’s girl power hits celebrate the fluidity of feminine identity and the creativity that comes with expressing it. If you love to read, you can also explore our best feminist book recommendations.
“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus (2023)
Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” was the ultimate self-love anthem of 2023. The disco-funk-pop song is all about pouring love into yourself and learning to break free of societal expectations surrounding relationships. Released as the lead single from her eighth studio album, “Endless Summer Vacation” (2023), the track was the best-selling global track of the year.
The music video features Miley dancing her way through a house, showcasing her in statement costumes such as a gold ensemble and power blazer, representing the song’s themes of confidence and empowerment. Music critics praised the song for its powerful message of independence and self-acceptance.
“Femininomenon” – Chappell Roan (2022)
Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” is a theatrical exploration of femininity, sung in her signature whimsical style. The track rose to fame in 2024 as a ‘sleeper hit’, attracting much popularity 2 years after its initial release. The personal, evocative lyrics and the alt-pop style add to the playfulness of the song.
Roan celebrates womanhood and the freedom to embrace sexuality without shame. At the same time, she teasingly pushes against traditional expectations of women, rejecting norms that limit self-expression. The song’s cultural impact was evident during the 2024 election cycle, when Kamala Harris’s campaign referenced it in a viral social media post calling for a ‘femininomenon’ at the polls.
“Woman” – Doja Cat (2021)
Doja Cat’s 2021 hit, “Woman”, is a celebration of womanhood. The song begins as a message to a male lover, enticing him with feminine beauty. It soon blossoms into a wider love letter to the female body and identity.
With references to the idea of the divine feminine, motherhood, sensuality and leadership, Doja Cat encapsulates the many dimensions of modern femininity. The song was nominated for several awards at the 2022 Grammys and was also one of the top artists on streaming platforms Spotify and iHeartRadio.
Best 2010s Feminist Songs
The decade of the 2010s continued the fight for female empowerment through music. Each song in this collection is influenced by girl power, resilience and its contemporary concerns.
“The Man” – Taylor Swift (2019)
In 2019, Taylor Swift’s song “The Man” was released as the fourth single from her album “Lover”. The electropop track found success among listeners, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 following the album’s release. In the song, Swift reflects on how her life and career might have been different if she were a man, highlighting the unequal opportunities and treatment women often face.
Directed by Swift herself, the music video features her disguised as a stereotypical Wall Street–esque businessman. Her video exposes the hypocrisies of gender expectations in a humorous yet provocative way. The song was widely praised as a feminist anthem that shines a light on the inequalities between women and men.
“Confident” – Demi Lovato (2015)
Demi Lovato’s “Confident” was released as the second single from her album of the same name. As the title hints, the song explores the concept of female strength, empowerment and identity. The chorus lyric, ‘What’s wrong with being confident?’ embodies the song’s fearless attitude and rejection of social expectations.
In the film-style music video, Demi is seen in various fight scenes with her accomplice, representing the idea of female solidarity and the audacity to stand up for who you are. The song subsequently earned her first-ever Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
“Girl on Fire” – Alicia Keys (2012)
Part of her fifth album of the same name, “Girl on Fire”, was inspired by Alicia Keys’ own experience of womanhood, from her marriage to the birth of her son. The song received much positive acclaim, with critics labelling it a powerful feminist ballad.
Her vocals are raw and authentic, pairing perfectly with her empowering lyrics. Keys paints a narrative about a woman who is resilient and capable of facing up to challenges, despite the ‘lonely world’ she inhabits. It’s a call to action for all women to celebrate their journeys and recognise their inner strength.
“Run the World (Girls)” – Beyoncé (2011)
Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)” is the epitome of a female empowerment anthem. It was launched on 21st April, 2011, as the lead single for her studio album 4. Her song promotes assertive femininity, female leadership and the strength in womanhood through its high-energy sound and confident lyrics.
In the music video, Queen B is seen leading an all-women army in a post-apocalyptic world where women call the shots. Its bold visuals emphasise the idea of girl power, using creativity and music as a means to deliver the message of gender equality.
Best 2000s Girl Power Songs
In the early 2000s, female artists embraced themes of independence and self-worth more openly than ever before. Represented through pop and R&B albums, these artists inspired the next generation of women.
“Survivor” – Destiny’s Child (2001)
Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” came from their third studio album of the same name. Inspired by a joke made about the group on a radio station, Beyoncé was motivated to turn it around by writing a hit song. The group did just that, as the song was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics are all about persisting in the face of adversity. The song embodies female resilience and solidarity, with the music video showcasing the group in a survival-style scenario on an island. Catchy and uplifting, it’s a true anthem of female strength from the decade.
“Independent Women Part I” – Destiny’s Child (2000)
“Independent Women Part I” is a celebration of self-sufficiency and financial independence for women. Originally made for the film adaptation of Charlie’s Angels, the lyrics capture the spirit of female autonomy and living on your own terms. The song became a major success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks and further cementing Destiny’s Child as leaders of early-2000s girl power.
At the time of the song’s release, the group was comprised of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. The music video features all four women unapologetically singing against vibrant backdrops, including a striking, fiery set, reinforcing the song’s empowering sentiment.
“Stronger” – Britney Spears (2000)
Released in October 2000 as part of her second studio album “Oops!… I Did It Again”, “Stronger” brings to life female resilience. The story told through the song is that of a young woman realising her worth, leaving behind a life of lies for one that’s truly authentic. It received much critical praise upon its release and remains an iconic 2000s track today.
The song also marked a turning point for Britney Spears herself, presenting a more mature and self-assured image of the star. Its memorable line, ‘My loneliness ain’t killing me no more,’ captures the song’s spirit of independence and is one of the track’s most recognisable lyrics.
Best 90s Girl Power Songs
The 1990s saw the rise of a new wave of girl power anthems, as female artists used music to promote confidence and community.
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain (1999)
Shania Twain’s country-pop, Grammy-winning song speaks to female empowerment, with its lively country vocals. Released in 1999 as part of her third studio album, “Come On Over” (1997), Twain champions the bold essence of womanhood.
The swanky guitar riffs add to its playful confidence, theatricalising the idea that women deserve to feel good in their own skin. The song also earned Twain a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2000. To this day, it remains one of her most memorable songs from “Come On Over”, which was one of the best-selling studio albums by a female artist
“Wannabe” – Spice Girls (1996)
1996 saw the release of the Spice Girls’ debut hit single “Wannabe”, a song that brought together dance-pop and hip-hop with the message of female empowerment. With its catchy, playful appeal, the song put the Spice Girls on the map as a global girl group.
It’s a true celebration of girl pop and power, championing the feeling of togetherness in female friendships. In 2016, Project Everyone remade the video as part of their campaign for global female equality.
“None of Your Business” – Salt-N-Pepa (1993)
Salt-N-Pepa’s hit song is about reclaiming the narrative around female sexuality. From their fourth studio album, “Very Necessary” (1993), the track is bold and assertive, pushing back against society’s expectations of women’s sexual freedom.
Using sexuality as a form of resistance, the song challenges the social norms of its time. It adopts a style traditionally associated with male rappers, featuring unapologetic lyrics and themes of sexual confidence, shifting the perspective toward female autonomy.
Best 80s Female Anthems
Girl power songs in the 80s were loud and rebellious, celebrating independence and the female identity. We’ve gathered some top tracks from the decade.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Originally written by Robert Hazard in 1979, American singer Cyndi Lauper made the song her own. She changed some of the lyrics, and the track shot to worldwide fame in late 1983. Lauper’s take led to the song becoming one of the best feminist anthems of its time.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is a joyful declaration of female power, reflecting the idea that women, too, wanted fun the same way as men did. It captures Lauper’s playful and fearless spirit, and the music video is equally charming. Showcasing female solidarity, it also features iconic 80s looks with bold colour palettes and plenty of iconic hairdos.
“Bad Reputation” – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (1981)
Lovers of rock will undoubtedly be familiar with Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” from her album of the same name. VH1 named the song the 29th best hard rock song of all time in 2009, making it the most well-ranked song by a woman on the list.
In the spirit of female empowerment, Jett boldly sings about not caring for the opinions of others. It’s playful and edgy, well-liked for its unbothered, confident appeal. The song embodies a fearless attitude, encouraging women to reject stereotypes and proudly be themselves.
“I’m Coming Out” – Diana Ross (1980)
This timeless girl power anthem was released in 1980 by Motown, written by Chic members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. The song represents self-expression, identity and liberation, also considered one of the most empowering songs within the LGBTQ+ community.
The lyrics tell the story of stepping into yourself and proudly embracing who you are. It encourages its listeners to be confident and live life authentically. The message strongly reflects the concept of girl power, emphasising the beauty of self-acceptance and the strength to be unapologetically yourself.
Best 70s and 60s Female Empowerment Songs
Grab your favourite headphones and explore the journey female empowerment has taken through music, with hits from the 70s.
“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor (1978)
Gloria Gaynor’s powerful song narrates a woman’s reclamation of herself following a devastating breakup. The song was the second single from her sixth album, “Love Tracks” (1978) and is still widely considered a classic disco track.
Having sold over 15 million copies worldwide, it’s not hard to see why it retains timeless popularity. The core message of the song is about recovering from hard times and emerging stronger than ever, speaking directly to the sentiment of female empowerment. It’s vibrant, uplifting, and one of those songs that moves you to dance any time it plays.
“I’m Every Woman” – Chaka Khan (1978)
“I’m Every Woman” was Chaka Khan’s first solo single, written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, and released in 1978. Widely hailed as an empowerment anthem, the song embodies the collective strength of women, celebrating black female power and the joy of womanhood.
It finds its groove in the late-1970s disco-soul era, with its funky backing track and dancey spirit. To this day, the song remains a cultural movement. It was reworked for International Women’s Day in 2021, and listed by Billboard as one of the top 10 LGBTQ anthems of all time.
“I Am Woman” – Helen Reddy (1972)
Released in 1972 by Capitol Records, Helen Reddy’s track soon made her one of the most successful Australian singers. The song gained much traction in December 1972, reaching the top of the American Billboard charts. From there, Reddy won a Grammy Award for Female Pop Vocal Performance.
In the true spirit of girl power, her song was the first by an Australian artist to reach such heights. “I Am Woman” is an iconic listen that captured the essence of the Women’s Liberation Movement and showcased female strength. Her lyrics reflect the adversity that came with womanhood during the 70s, but also hope for better days.
And while “Respect” by Aretha Franklin was released in the 1960s, it’s such an iconic anthem of female empowerment that no girl power playlist would be complete without it. Its powerful message about independence, confidence and knowing your worth continues to resonate with generations of women. Decades later, the song still inspires listeners around the world, proving that true girl power anthems never go out of style.
“Respect” – Aretha Franklin (1967)
One of the most famous feminist songs ever recorded, “Respect” by the ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin, is an anthem for female empowerment. Originally a song by soul singer-songwriter Otis Redding, Franklin changed the lyrics to embody a call for dignity. Her version led to the song becoming the leading song for the second wave of feminism, raising questions about gender roles and relationships.
Often hailed as one of the best R&B songs of its era, the song earned Franklin two Grammy Awards in 1968 and was eventually inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1987. The song is a timeless testament to female resilience and spirit, remaining an iconic hit to this day.
From the feminist anthems of the 1970s to the pop powerhouses of today, girl power songs have shaped generations of women. Whether celebrating independence, friendship or resilience, these empowering songs by women continue to inspire confidence and solidarity around the world. Turn up the volume and let these iconic tracks remind you just how powerful music can be.
