Here’s a wild thought: Why not celebrate International Women’s Day every day? Give yourself an extra dose of empowerment by listening (and singing along) to these 15 popular songs—both new and throwbacks—that are a direct ode to the strength of women. We call them our girl power ballads.
“Sorry Not Sorry” – Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s 2017 single from her album Tell Me You Love Me sends a reaffirming message to all women who have ever felt like they had to apologize to a partner who did them wrong. “Baby, I’m sorry (I’m not sorry).”
“Hey Girl” – Lady Gaga ft. Florence Welch
Lady Gaga pays tribute to her late Aunt Joanne with a full album of feminist ballads, including this slow pop song featuring Florence Welch. “Hey girl, hey girl, we can make it easy if we lift each other / Hey girl, hey girl / We don’t need to keep on one-in’ up another / Hey girl, hey girl / Hey girl, hey girl / If you lose your way, just know that I got you.” Need we say more?
“Bodak Yellow” – Cardi B
“Bodak Yellow,” otherwise known as the song that put rapper Cardi B on the map, immediately makes you want to head to the bar with all of your girlfriends in your red bottoms. Nothing says feminism more than a group of women hanging out and lifting each other up.
“Flawless” – Beyoncé ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Who can forget this single from Beyoncé’s 2013 self-titled album? “I took some time to live my life / But don’t think I’m just his little wife / Don’t get it twisted, get it twisted / This my shit, bow down, bitches.” Beyoncé proving yet again that women should live their lives how they want, doing whatever they want, no matter what a man might say.
“I Love It” – Icona Pop ft. Charli XCX
The core of feminism, after all, is owning the right to like what you like and do what you want to do—and not apologize for it. And so we say together in this 2012 pop dance song, “I don’t care, I love it.”