In my years of observing and learning about strong women, I have come to understand certain key behaviors they consistently exhibit that command respect from others. 

Their strength is rooted in attributes that are admired and respected universally.

These women are not afraid to stand their ground, voice their opinions, and maintain their integrity, even in the face of adversity.

They are able to balance their personal and professional lives effectively while maintaining their individuality.

In the following sections, we will delve into these eight distinct characteristics that strong women display which command respect from others. 

These are practical actions and attitudes that anyone can adopt to enhance their own strength and garner respect. 

1) Effective and assertive communication

Strong women are often recognized for their ability to communicate effectively.

This doesn’t mean they are always the loudest in the room, but they know how to make their voices heard when it matters. 

They express their thoughts and feelings clearly, directly, and assertively, not aggressively.

This ability to communicate assertively often stems from a deep sense of self-worth and self-respect. They understand that their opinions and feelings are valid and deserve to be heard. 

As a result, they don’t shy away from expressing what they truly feel or believe, even if it’s unpopular.

Moreover, strong women are not just good at expressing themselves; they are also great listeners. 

They respect others’ opinions, encourage open dialogues, and foster an environment where everyone feels heard. This balance of speaking and listening helps build mutual respect.

2) Maintaining personal boundaries

They also understand the importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries.

These boundaries are a clear reflection of self-respect and a deep understanding of self-worth. They serve as guidelines for what is considered acceptable behavior towards them.

Maintaining personal boundaries is not about being standoffish or selfish; it’s about preserving mental and emotional health. 

Strong women do not allow others to overstep these boundaries, no matter who they are. This includes saying “no” when needed, even if it disappoints others.

Respecting one’s own boundaries helps to command respect from others, as it sets a clear precedent for how one expects to be treated. 

When a woman is firm about her boundaries, it sends a message that she values herself and will not tolerate being treated poorly.

3) Self-reliance

Self-reliance is a prominent trait among strong women, commanding respect from those around them.

This doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate help or collaboration, but they have the confidence and capability to handle things independently.

A self-reliant woman knows her strengths and weaknesses and has no qualms about leveraging her strengths or working on her weaknesses. She’s capable of making decisions for herself and can stand by them, even when faced with dissent or opposition.

Such a woman doesn’t rely on others for her happiness or satisfaction. She sets her own goals, makes her own plans, and is not afraid to pursue what she wants, even if it means walking alone sometimes.

4) Valuing honesty

Honesty is a value that strong women hold in high regard. They believe in speaking the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult.

This is not about being blunt or hurtful but about being transparent and genuine in their interactions.

Strong women understand that honesty builds trust and strengthens relationships. They are honest with themselves about their own strengths and weaknesses, and this self-awareness allows them to grow and improve.

They are also honest with others, providing constructive feedback when necessary and admitting their mistakes when they’re wrong. 

This authenticity makes them reliable and trustworthy, qualities that command respect.

5) Resiliency in the face of adversity

Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but strong women have the ability to bounce back from these adversities with even greater determination.

Their resilience stems not from an absence of fear or pain, but from their ability to keep going despite them. They understand that setbacks are temporary and that they can learn and grow from these experiences.

They face their problems head-on, seeking solutions instead of dwelling on the problems. They are not afraid to fail because they see failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.

6) Valuing and promoting equality

Strong women hold a firm belief in equality and are not afraid to stand up against any form of discrimination or bias.

They treat everyone with the same level of respect, regardless of their background, race, gender, or social status.

Promoting equality is not only about treating everyone fairly but also about advocating for those who are unable to stand up for themselves.

They often use their influence to amplify the voices of the marginalized and underrepresented.

Their belief in equality and their actions to uphold it command respect from others. This trait reflects their integrity and their commitment to creating a fairer society.

7) Confidence without arrogance

Strong women are confident, but they never let their confidence turn into arrogance. They believe in their abilities and are secure in their worth, but they also understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Their confidence is grounded in self-awareness and humility. They are aware of their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and are always open to learning and growing.

This type of confidence is a powerful trait that commands respect. It reflects a strong character and a balanced sense of self-esteem. 

At the same time, they know that there is always room for improvement and growth.

8) Ability to inspire others

The final characteristic of strong women that commands respect from others is their ability to inspire those around them.

Their actions, words, and attitudes often serve as a source of motivation for others.

These women lead by example, demonstrating through their own behavior how to be resilient, assertive, and confident. They inspire others not by preaching, but by doing. Their actions often speak louder than their words.

They encourage others to believe in themselves, to stand up for what they believe in, and to never give up in the face of adversity.

This ability to uplift and inspire earns them respect and admiration from others.

Final thoughts

Strong women who command respect really set the tone in any room they enter.

It boils down to a few straightforward but powerful habits like the ones on this list. These actions not only earn them respect but also inspire those around them.

It shows that being strong isn’t just about leading the way—it’s also about bringing others along for the ride.