When Purpose Meets Power: Michelle Obama and Oprah on Empowering Women | United State of Women Summit
“If women learn to be something themselves [and learn] that the only way to teach is to be fine and shining examples, we will have in one generation the most remarkable and glorious children.”
~Brenda Ueland
There’s something undeniably powerful about women coming together with a shared sense of purpose. When two iconic leaders like Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey meet on stage, the energy is transformative. Their conversation at the United State of Women Summit in 2016 offered more than just inspiration, it delivered a roadmap for empowering women and advancing gender equality.
This moment wasn’t just a dialogue between two high-profile women it was a masterclass in leadership, resilience and purpose-driven action.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Women
When women align around a common mission, especially in spaces where their voices have historically been marginalized, the results are phenomenal. Michelle Obama and Oprah have both built legacies centred around purpose. During their conversation, they discussed not only the challenges women face, but also how purpose fuels perseverance.
Michelle Obama emphasised the importance of owning your story and using your voice, even when it shakes. She reminded the audience that progress comes when we stop striving for perfection and start focusing on impact. Oprah echoed this, noting that the path to empowerment begins with clarity of purpose and a commitment to lifting others as we climb.
Gender Equality Starts with Empowerment
One of the key themes of the summit was that gender equality is not a distant dream, it is an achievable goal but in order to make it a reality, we must be intentional. Michelle and Oprah called on women to support one another, to mentor younger generations, and to demand seats at the table rather than waiting to be invited. Now I want to push back on this and state that this isn’t always easy at all particularly in spaces not designed for marginalised women. What you need to do is the internal work whilst still recognising the external barriers.
They also spoke to men and allies, reminding them that real equality requires collective effort. Policies, representation, and social norms all play a role but so does the courage to have honest conversations and challenge the status quo.
Why This Conversation Matters
The energy in the room, and the messages shared, have sparked movements, influenced policy and inspired countless women to rise into leadership.
If you’re passionate about women’s empowerment, personal growth, or social impact, this conversation is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that the journey toward equality starts with each of us choosing to show up, speak out, and support each other.