As International Women’s Day has just passed, and I love women and musical theatre, I thought why not do a little post highlighting some of my personal favourite female empowerment songs. These are in no particular order (because I am too indecisive for that), they’re just in whatever order my brain thought of them at the time of writing this post.

1. Watch What Happens – Newsies

With all the exciting Newsies announcements recently, this song had to be top of my list. Being a female reporter trying to break into a sexist industry was never going to be easy, but Katherine Plumber is determined to prove any doubters wrong in this fast-paced, comedic solo.

“But all I know is nothing happens if you just give in, it can’t be any worse than how it’s been
And it just so happens that we just might win, so whatever happens, let’s begin”

2. Me and the Sky – Come From Away

Beverley Bass is the ultimate badass. This song, taken from her real life experiences, is about overcoming obstacles in the face of adversity. She is a woman who broke through a glass ceiling and her personal achievements deserve so much admiration.

“Suddenly I’ve got an all female crew, the news talked, it made headlines across the world
Suddenly it stopped, no one saying, ‘you can’t’, or ‘you won’t’
Or ‘you know you’re not anything ’cause you’re a girl'”

3. I’m Here – The Colour Purple

Celie has never had an easy life, but she is surrounded by strong women who help her through. “I’m Here” is a beautiful moment of self-acceptance, learned lessons and understanding one’s personal value. I think the lyrics are both empowering and even relatable to many people.

“I’m gonna take a deep breath, gonna hold my head up
Gonna put my shoulders back, and look you straight in the eye”

4. Back To Before – Ragtime

The character is called Mother… I know it’s a bad start, but stay with me guys. The song comes at the end of the show when the character, who has lived in her husband’s shadow, realises she is no longer content with a life she doesn’t control. She wants to find her purpose in the world, which she now understands is more than just being someone’s wife.

“There was a time when you were the person in motion
I was your wife, it never occured to want more
You were my sky, my moon and my stars and my ocean
We can never go back to before“

5. Legally Blonde (Reprise) – Legally Blonde

You don’t know how tempted I was to put ‘So Much Better’ in this spot. But, in the end, I decided that Elle’s true moment of empowerment is this reprise. The scene when she is not only winning, but doing it in her own way and by her own rules, and with the backing of a woman she originally considered to be her biggest rival. We love to see women supporting other women.

“Back in the game, back to the trial, but I’m going back in my style
Girls, it’s a fact, when you’re attacked, you gotta respond”

6. Everything Changes – Waitress

There’s something about women writing songs for women that just hit the right spot. After gaining the courage to end her loveless and abusive marriage, Jenna realises that she has a new purpose in life and her road can be full of endless possibilities.

“My blurry lines, my messy life, come into focus and in time, maybe
I can heal, and I can breathe, ’cause I can feel myself believe“

7. Get Out and Stay Out – 9 to 5

From one toxic husband, to another. In this song, Judy has the realisation she doesn’t owe her ex-husband anything and, after years of relying on him, she is able to manage on her own. Stephanie J Block’s belt will knock you off your feet.

“Well, I am proud to tell you I’m really feeling good
I’m doing so much better than you ever thought I would”

8. Right Hand Man – Something Rotten

Bea is the Renaissance feminist we didn’t realise we needed. Her husband, Nick, is insistent that his wife shouldn’t meddle in anything other than non-traditional female roles. Turns out later than when shit hits the fan, it’s Bea that comes in to save the day.

“But just to be a pretty lady, that would be a pity baby, let me be your right hand man”

9. I Say No – Heathers

What an anthem for women! A late addition to Heathers, but a necessary and overdue one. It was so important for Veronica to have a moment in the show where she tells J.D. that enough is enough. And, despite what the latest TikTok trend may be telling you… don’t open the door for a man like this, okay? Good.

“‘Cause I believe that love will win, and hate will earn you nothing in the end… this is the end”

10. Get Down – Six

I used to work Front of House at Six, and this was the only song from that show that never gets old watching on repeat. You should always remember your self worth and never let anyone belittle you because of how you look. Plus, it worked out better for Anne of Cleves without Henry anyway…

“Sittin’ here all alone, on a throne, in a palace that I happen to own“

Bonus Murder Anthem: Cell Block Tango – Chicago

Disclaimer: I don’t condone murder. Please don’t murder anyone.

If we look past the crime… I really appreciate this unapologetic group of women that have righted the wrongs done to them (granted they did it in an extreme way). But they really went out of their way to say “don’t mess with us” and I respect that.

“They had it comin’, they had it comin’, they had it comin’ all along
‘Cause if they used us, and they abused us, how could you tell us that we were wrong?“

What are your favourite empowering female musical theatre songs? Let me know in the comments!