Over the last few decades women have really stood up against the patriarchal society we live and said ‘enough is enough.’  Although we still live in a patriarchal society, the boundaries are being blurred thanks to some of the most influential music of our time.

I thought I would compile a list of 25 songs that depict the changing attitudes of women over the last 50 years, particularly over the last 20 years.

In no particular order here are:

25 Songs That Have Empowered Women

I’m Every Woman – Chaka Khan

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Firework – Katy Perry

Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys

Independent Woman (Part 1) – Destiny’s Child

Unwritten – Natasha Beddingfield

I Am Woman – Helen Reddy

R.E.S.P.E.C.T – Aretha Franklin

Run The World (Girls) – Beyoncé

Play On – Carrie Underwood

Beautiful – Christine Aguilera

None of Your Business – Salt’N’Pepa

So What – Pink

Superwoman – Alicia Keys

Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner

Let It Go – Idina Menzel

No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley and the Wailers

Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out

Wannabe – Spice Girls

I Look So Good (Without You) – Jessie James

Man! I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain

Stronger – Britney Spears

I Love It – Icona Pop

Skyscraper – Demi Lovato