Meaning: The quote "I never expect men to give us liberty. No, women, we are not worth it until we take it" by Voltairine de Cleyre, a prominent American anarchist and feminist activist, encapsulates the spirit of women's empowerment and the struggle for gender equality. Voltairine de Cleyre was a passionate advocate for women's rights, individual liberty, and social justice, and her words reflect the sentiment that women should not rely on men to grant them freedom and equality but rather take assertive action to claim their rights.

Voltairine de Cleyre was a leading figure in the late 19th and early 20th century anarchist movement in the United States. She was a prolific writer, speaker, and organizer who championed radical social and political change. De Cleyre's advocacy extended beyond women's rights to encompass a wide range of issues, including labor rights, prison reform, and opposition to state authority. Her commitment to the principles of individual autonomy and resistance to oppression made her a powerful voice for marginalized groups, including women.

The quote reflects de Cleyre's belief in the necessity of women's agency in the struggle for liberation. By stating, "I never expect men to give us liberty," she rejects the idea that women should passively wait for men to grant them their rights. Instead, she asserts that women must actively claim and assert their own liberty. This sentiment aligns with the broader feminist movement's call for women to take control of their destinies and demand equality and autonomy.

Furthermore, de Cleyre's statement challenges the prevailing notion of women's worth being contingent on male approval or validation. She asserts that women are inherently worthy of liberty and equality and that these rights should not be bestowed upon them as acts of benevolence. This assertion challenges patriarchal structures and calls for a reevaluation of the power dynamics that have historically marginalized and subjugated women.

Moreover, de Cleyre's emphasis on women "taking" liberty suggests a proactive and assertive approach to achieving equality. Instead of waiting for permission or approval, women are urged to seize their rights through collective action, resistance, and advocacy. This aligns with the principles of direct action and grassroots organizing that de Cleyre and other anarchists promoted as a means of effecting social change.

In the context of the broader history of women's rights and feminist activism, de Cleyre's words resonate as a call to action. They remind us that the struggle for gender equality is not merely a matter of asking for permission or pleading for rights but rather a demand for fundamental societal transformation. The quote also underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action in advancing the cause of women's liberation.

In conclusion, Voltairine de Cleyre's quote encapsulates the spirit of feminist empowerment and calls for women to assert their own worth and claim their liberty. Her words continue to inspire contemporary feminist movements and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice.