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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wilfrid Laurier chapter.

It’s good to feel like a powerful woman sometimes. Correction: all the time. For so long, women were not able to express themselves or at least felt like they couldn’t due to this misogynistic world. Music provided them with an outlet, and their songs have ended up becoming some of the greatest hits of all time. Here are some essential female empowerment songs you need in your playlist:

“Bad Girls” – M.I.A

This is a very underrated song that everyone should listen to. M.I.A is a female rapper whose songs have a strong message about today’s society and many issues the world faces today. The original purpose of this song was to talk about how women in Saudi Arabia couldn’t legally drive. In 2017, it finally became legal; nevertheless, this is an anthem representing badass women all around the world.

“Run the World (Girls)” – Beyoncé

This is a must-have. How can you not include the biggest female anthem ever? Beyoncé has forever been the queen of female empowerment and the embodiment of feminism. Many of her songs talk about women being strong and how they should feel empowered including “Flawless”, “Single Ladies” and even songs with her old group Destiny’s Child like “Independent Woman” Pt.1. This song has been an inspiration for women everywhere and Beyoncé continues to inspire women every day.

“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor

This 70s disco song is more than just a bop. The song is actually about a girl thinking she needs her man, but then realizing she doesn’t need him after he did her dirty. Instead, she becomes a strong and powerful woman who can survive without her man. Not only is this song super timeless, but it has a great message reminding women they don’t need men in their lives to be happy. The women they are is all they need.

“You Don’t Own Me” – Lesley Gore

This song dates back to 1963 during the second-wave feminist movement. At the time, women were meant to stay at home and cook and clean for their husbands. Men at the time were dominant and believed they were in control of women. Of course, Gore wasn’t going to stand for that. She decided to write a song about the defiance of controlling men. Today, this message has definitely impacted society, creating more equality between genders.

“Good As Hell” – Lizzo

This song is definitely a serotonin booster. Lizzo will make you feel like the baddest girl out there, and this song will make you feel better about yourself, too. Lizzo reminds you to do your hair toss and check your nails like any girl does because you are bad and beautiful and should be feeling good as hell all the time.

“7 Rings” – Ariana Grande

Of course, Ariana Grande has to be included in your playlist. Grande has written many songs about female empowerment, for example, “God is a Woman”, but this song is extra special as it talks about showing self-love and spoiling yourself like the queen you are. To her, spoiling yourself is treating yourself and every girl deserves to be treated this way.

Does anything more need to be said?

Sometimes girls need a little motivation to feel empowered in this world. What better way to boost your mood than with the power of music? Just remember, no matter what, you are beautiful, powerful and strong! Have a great day, queen!

Sahaana Jeevendra

Wilfrid Laurier '24

My name is Sahaana Jeevendra. I'm a first year student at Wilfred Laurier University studying Business Administration. Some of my aspirations for the future are being a successful woman, be happy, and continue to live life to the fullest.
Chelsea Bradley

Wilfrid Laurier '21

Chelsea finished her undergrad with a double major in Biology and Psychology and a minor in Criminology. She loves dogs way too much and has an unhealthy obsession with notebooks and sushi. You can find her quoting memes and listening to throwbacks in her spare - okay basically all - her time. She joined Her Campus in the Fall of 2019 as an editor, acted as one of two senior editors for the Winter 2020 semester and worked alongside Rebecca as one of the Campus Correspondents for the 2020-2021 year!