Happy Women's History Month! The month of March is a great time to recognize the great women before us, and the ones who are out there now making a difference in this world. 2015 was a huge year for feminism and raising awareness of the inequality women experience everyday. As we continue into 2016, hopefully more change will come about as women are being seen as incredibly smart, talented, and fully capable of holding their own. While you're respecting your fellow women, here are a few jams to celebrate a great time of bold, brave, and beautifully independent, women.

Beyoncé, "Who Run the World (Girls)"

What makes it empowering?: The title literally states that women run this world. Is it wrong? I don't think so.

Key Lyrics: "Boy you know you love it how we're smart enough to make these millions/ Strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business"

Destiny's Child, "Independent Women, Pt. 1"

What makes it empowering?: Yet again, Bey recognizes the women around us that make their own money, on their own time, and do as they please. Independence in the female community should be recognized, and desired, because it surely isn't easy getting past the obstacles society so rudely puts in front of us.

Key Lyrics: "If you're gonna brag make sure it's your money you flaunt/ Depend on no one else to give you what you want"

Jesse J, "Do it Like a Dude"

What makes it empowering?: For anyone who's ever underestimated a girl and their ability to be strong, rough, bold, and confident, this song may teach you a few things. This song is delivering a message that continues to astound society, and that message is that women can do anything a man can do (if not better).

Key Lyrics: "I can do it like a brother, Do it like a dude/ Grab my crotch, wear my hat low like you"

No Doubt, "Just a Girl"

What makes it empowering?: Gwen is a total badass and makes the point that women are more than weak little beings that need a man's permission to do something. This song may be from her No Doubt days, but it's just as right then as it is right now.

Key Lyrics: "I'm just a girl in the world/ that's all that you'll let me be" and "This world is forcing me to hold your hand"

Christina Aguilera feat. Lil' Kim, "Can't Hold Us Down"

What makes it empowering?: As a kid, I grew up listening to this song and couldn't believe the lyrics. It made me think about how we look at women and how ridiculous double standards are. Christina pointed out about every way women are judged based on their sexuality. In her musical prime, she made sure that the world knew she owned her body, her voice, and her life. Thank you, xtina, for letting the world know no one can hold us down.

Key Lyrics: "So what am I not supposed to have an opinion/ Should I be quiet just because I'm a woman/ Call me a bitch cause I speak what's on my mind/ Guess it's easier for you to swallow if I sat and smiled"

Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj, "Feeling Myself"

What makes it empowering?: Nicki and Bey are literally the dream team. The entire song is about self-appreciation, self-love, and self-recognition. It's also about being just as powerful as you'll let yourself be. No matter your sex, race, or sexuality--you can stop the world, too.

Key Lyrics: "I stopped the world/ Male or female, it make no difference."

Beyoncé, "***Flawless (feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)"

What makes it empowering?: Ugh, Bey is still killing in on the female empowerment lyrics. First of all, she states that all of us are flawless and shouldn't let anyone tell us otherwise, ever. Second, she defines feminism for those who may have been unaware. "Feminist: the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes."

Key Lyrics: "I woke up like this/ Flawless"

Lily Allen, "Hard Out Here"

What makes it empowering?: Lily Allen is sick and tired of the double standards. Women are forced to look a certain way, act a certain way, and be the perfect little woman, or else you'll end up alone. Lily is definitely right, it's hard out there.

Key Lyrics: "I suppose I should tell you what this bitch is thinking/ You find me in the studio and not in the kitchen"

Salt-N-Pepa, "None of Your Business"

What makes it empowering?: This 90's rap group is ultimately timeless as their music continues to speak the truth. From putting the importance of sexual education on the radio to publicly owning their sexuality, Salt & Pepa understand the reality of a woman's expectations in this world and know its total garbage. This song continues to inspire women to do as they please, because after all, it's no one's business what you do.

Key Lyrics: "How many rules am I to break before you understand that your double-standards don't mean sh*t to me?"

Rihanna, "Cockiness"

What makes it empowering?: Rihanna totally owns her sexuality and declares totally control over her life, her music, and her voice. Her music has always been bold, brave, and confident, as she tells it like it is. She likes what she likes, and doesn't need male approval or attention.

Key Lyrics: "Make me your priority/There's nothing above my pleasure"

Elle King, "America's Sweetheart"

What makes it empowering?: Again, a woman telling it like it is. Elle isn't about to change for anyone, whether it be the industry or some guy. In this song, the lyrics are very clear when they say she is who she is and refuses to comply with any rule or expectation based on her gender.

Key Lyrics: "You try and change me, you can go to hell/ 'Cause I don't wanna be nobody else"

M.I.A, "Bad Girls"

What makes it empowering?: This song is about sexual prowess and female empowerment. In her video, all the women are parading around in cars, all while wielding guns. This is a direct hit at Saudi Arabia and their laws against women driving, as well as their masculine-empowered culture. The anarchist-aesthetic video is just the cherry on top of the feminist statement.

Key Lyrics: "Who's gonna stop me when I'm coming through?"

Gwen Stefani, "Hollaback Girl"

What makes it empowering?: A Hollaback Girl is one that acts as a doormat for others and responds positively to any bit of attention. Gwen, yet again, declares that she refuses to be the inferior being in any situation. In the song, she steps up to the plate and fights off just about any hater you can dream of. She captures the true ferocity of a woman with attitude.

Key Lyrics: "That's right, I'm the last one standing, and another one bites the dust"

Queen Latifah, "U.N.I.T.Y"

What makes it empowering?: Queen Latifah is actually a really great rapper. She's powerful and delivers a strong message against domestic violence, rape culture, and sexism, throughout society and within the hip-hop/rap community. Music that depicts women as purely sexual objects (that are inferior and less human because they are sexual) is constantly overlooked because of its' growing popularity. Queen Latifah realized her lyrics could truly change the way women are looked at. And because of her bravery, perseverance, and talent, she paved the way for other female rappers to also be seen as equals within the music industry.

Key Lyrics: "Who you calling a bitch?"

Aretha Franklin, "Respect"

What makes it empowering?: The last, but certainly not least, song on this list is the most famous of all feminist music pieces. The cultural context of the lyrics screams gender equality and the literal demanding of respect from her male counterpart. This song is a part of history and will be forever known as the feminist anthem.

Quick note: a woman can use her sexual prowess (in any way they want) and feel empowered by it because they are embracing the femininity that men have tried to control for years. Just because a woman is showing her body, or acting sexual in any way, does not make her less of a human. Got it? Good.