The month of March marks Women’s History Month, and today International Women's Day, where we celebrate women who contributed to important social, cultural, and political events in history. But instead of listing down all the usual suspects when it comes to women empowerment songs (Aretha Franklin’s “RESPECT,” Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” and more), we’re highlighting some of the more modern tracks that have been released in recent years.

 

 

Q.U.E.E.N. – Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu

“Q.U.E.E.N.” talks empowerment in all sense of the word and, in fact, its acronym stands for Queer, Untouchables, Emigrants, Excommunicated, and Negroid. "It's for everyone who's felt ostracized," she says in an interview with Fuse. "I wanted to create something for people who feel like they want to give up because they're not accepted by society."

 

Salute – Little Mix

If every girl band needed a feminist anthem, “Salute” is definitely Little Mix’s. As soon as it was released, it quickly drew comparisons to Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” or Beyoncé’s “Run the World,” -- rightly so, with its strong beats and chant-worthy lyrics. Nonetheless, Little Mix definitely put their own spin on things as they represent all women: killer heels, sneakers, pumps, or boots and all.  

 

That’s My Girl – Fifth Harmony

From one girl group to another: Fifth Harmony is no stranger to women empowerment. First there was “BO$$,” then “Worth It,” and then their most recent single, “That’s My Girl,” whose video sees them rescue people in a post-apocalyptic world. The track was also used in a video that highlighted the US Women’s Gymnastics Team, as well as a separate music video for DC Super Hero Girls.

 

Formation – Beyoncé

Beyoncé may not have won the Grammy for Album or Record of the Year, but there’s no contesting the fact that she won Music Video of the Year for “Formation.” Aside from the track being a feminist anthem, what’s even more unique is that it’s also widely considered as a black feminist anthem as she references her heritage, “Jackson Five nostrils” and “baby hair and afros.”

 

Did we miss any of your favorite "girl power"-themed tracks? Share them in the comments below!