Bella Abzug quotes

Bella Abzug was an American lawyer, politician, and social activist, known for her leadership in the women's rights movement. A pioneering figure in U.S. politics, she advocated for gender equality, civil rights, and environmental issues. She inspired generations with her bold activism and commitment to social justice. Here are 16 of her quotes:

When I was a young lawyer, working women wore hats. It was the only way they would take you seriously.

Bella Abzug

I've been described as a tough and noisy woman, a prize fighter, a man-hater, you name it. They call me Battling Bella, Mother Courage, and a Jewish mother with more complaints than Portnoy. There are those who say I'm impatient, impetuous, uppity, rude, profane, brash, and overbearing. Whether I'm any of those things, or all of them, you can decide for yourself. But whatever I am -- and this ought to be made very clear -- I am a very serious woman.

Bella Abzug

Our struggle today is not to have a female Einstein get appointed as an assistant professor. It is for a woman schlemiel to get as quickly promoted as a male schlemiel.

Bella Abzug

As women, we know that we must always find ways to change the process because the present institutions want to hold on to power and keep the status quo.

Bella Abzug

I prefer the word 'homemaker' because 'housewife' always implies that there may be a wife someplace else.

Bella Abzug

I began wearing hats as a young lawyer because it helped me to establish my professional identity. Before that, whenever I was at a meeting, someone would ask me to get coffee.

Bella Abzug

We are coming down from our pedestal and up from the laundry room.

Bella Abzug

The establishment is made up of little men, very frightened.

Bella Abzug

This woman's place is in the House - the House of Representatives.

Bella Abzug

All of the men on my staff can type.

Bella Abzug

We are bringing women into politics to change the nature of politics, to change the vision, to change the institutions. Women are not wedded to the policies of the past. We didn't craft them. They didn't let us.

Bella Abzug

much of what has been done in the name of progress and growth and development has been done without much regard for the effects on human beings-women, men and children-on water, air and soil, on our delicately balanced, intricately interconnected global ecology.

Bella Abzug

it was Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland's vision and leadership as head of the UN Commission on Environment and Development that told us of "our common future” and what we must do to assure that we have a livable future. Dr. Brundtland is an inspiring example of what can happen when the right woman is in the right place.

Bella Abzug

All over the world, ordinary citizens are coming forward to assert their democratic and human rights, and concern about the environment permeates their demands.

Bella Abzug