The best Aretha Franklin songs represent more than just extraordinary vocal performances—they’re cultural landmarks that redefined soul music and established the Queen of Soul as one of the most influential artists in American history. From her transformative Atlantic Records period beginning in 1967 through her decades-spanning career, Franklin combined gospel-rooted power with sophisticated arrangements, delivering performances that remain unmatched in their emotional depth and technical brilliance. Her ability to transform any song into a personal testimony, whether tackling civil rights anthems or intimate ballads, created a catalog that transcends genre boundaries and continues influencing generations of singers. These twenty tracks showcase why Aretha Franklin earned her crown, delivering vocal mastery and soul-stirring authenticity that defined an era while remaining eternally relevant.
“Respect” – The Anthem That Defined a Movement
“Respect” stands as Aretha Franklin’s most iconic recording and one of the most culturally significant songs in American music history. Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, Franklin’s 1967 reimagining transformed the composition from a straightforward plea into a powerful feminist and civil rights anthem that resonated far beyond its romantic context. Producer Jerry Wexler and arranger Arif Mardin created a horn-driven arrangement that gave Franklin’s voice the perfect platform, while the iconic “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spelled-out hook and the “sock it to me” backing vocals added participatory elements that made the song irresistible. Franklin’s vocal performance is masterful—she delivers the demanding lyrics with a combination of power and precision that brooks no argument, her gospel-trained runs and perfectly controlled dynamics demonstrating why she was already being called the Queen of Soul. The track topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, won two Grammy Awards, and became so associated with Franklin that many listeners don’t realize it’s a cover, with her interpretation completely overshadowing Redding’s original in cultural memory and impact.
“Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)” – Vulnerability Meets Vocal Majesty
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” showcases Aretha Franklin’s ability to convey profound vulnerability while maintaining vocal command that few singers could match. Written by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, and Jerry Wexler specifically for Franklin in 1967, this Atlantic Records production features a restrained yet lush arrangement that builds gradually, allowing Franklin’s voice to remain the centerpiece throughout. The song’s structure moves from introspective verses to an explosively emotional bridge where Franklin’s voice soars with gospel-influenced intensity, creating one of popular music’s most cathartic moments without ever losing the song’s intimate character. Franklin’s phrasing demonstrates her genius for interpretation—she doesn’t just sing the lyrics but inhabits them, making every listener believe she’s experiencing these revelations in real-time rather than performing a composed song. The track reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Franklin’s signature performances, with her 2015 Kennedy Center Honors rendition moving President Obama to tears and reminding the world why this song remains a masterclass in vocal artistry and emotional authenticity.
“Think” – Assertive Declaration With Irresistible Groove
“Think” delivers one of Aretha Franklin’s most assertive performances, with the singer co-writing this 1968 track with her then-husband Ted White and creating an infectious groove that makes its demanding message irresistible. The song’s production features prominent piano, punchy horns, and Franklin’s sisters Carolyn and Erma providing the memorable “freedom” backing vocals that became as iconic as the main melody, creating a call-and-response structure rooted in gospel tradition. Franklin’s vocal delivery balances righteous anger with playful energy, her voice moving effortlessly between controlled verses and explosive exclamations that demonstrate her remarkable dynamic range and ability to convey complex emotions simultaneously. The track reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and gained renewed cultural relevance when featured in The Blues Brothers film in 1980, introducing Franklin’s power to a new generation. When experienced through quality headphones, the production reveals its full sophistication—the layered backing vocals, the punchy rhythm section, and most importantly, Franklin’s voice sitting perfectly in the mix without being over-compressed or artificially enhanced.
“Chain of Fools” – Blues-Rock Fusion Excellence
“Chain of Fools” represents Aretha Franklin tackling blues-rock with the Atlantic Records rhythm section supporting her gospel-trained voice, creating a crossover masterpiece that appealed to pop, R&B, and rock audiences simultaneously. Written by Don Covay and recorded in 1967, the song features guitarist Joe South playing the iconic riff that drives the entire arrangement, while the Muscle Shoals rhythm section provides a groove that’s simultaneously relaxed and propulsive. Franklin’s vocal performance demonstrates her ability to swing and phrase like a horn player, her voice locking into the groove while adding melodic variations and emotional inflections that make each verse feel fresh despite the repetitive structure. The song topped the R&B chart and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, with its combination of catchy riff, relatable lyrics about relationship frustration, and Franklin’s commanding vocal making it one of her most enduring hits. The recording captures Franklin at her most confident, delivering a performance that sounds effortless despite the technical precision and interpretive intelligence required to make the song work so perfectly.
“I Say a Little Prayer” – Burt Bacharach Meets Gospel Soul
“I Say a Little Prayer” finds Aretha Franklin transforming Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s composition into something completely her own, taking a song written for Dionne Warwick and reimagining it with gospel intensity and soul power. Franklin’s 1968 version alters the tempo from Warwick’s original, speeding it up and adding syncopated horms and punchy rhythm section work that creates urgent energy matching the lyrical obsession described in the song. The vocal arrangement features Franklin’s voice in the lead with backing vocals from her sisters creating a church-like atmosphere, while her improvisational fills between phrases demonstrate the jazz and gospel influences that separated her interpretations from mere cover versions. The track reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the definitive version for many listeners, with Franklin’s approach influencing how subsequent artists understood they could reinterpret songbook standards by bringing their own cultural and musical backgrounds to existing material. This recording exemplifies how Franklin never simply sang songs—she reinvented them, finding new emotional depths and musical possibilities that original composers sometimes didn’t know existed in their own compositions.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Gospel Transcendence
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” represents Aretha Franklin tackling one of Paul Simon’s most revered compositions and creating an interpretation that Simon himself called superior to the original. Recorded in 1971 for her Live at Fillmore West album, Franklin’s version strips away the lush production of Simon & Garfunkel’s recording in favor of a gospel-influenced arrangement featuring organ, piano, and minimal percussion that puts her voice front and center. Franklin’s vocal performance builds from restrained tenderness in the opening verse to an absolutely transcendent final section where she improvises melismatic runs and dynamic swells that transform the song from a folk-rock composition into a full gospel testimony. The recording captures live energy—you can hear the Fillmore West audience’s reactions and feel the electricity of Franklin creating magic in real-time, demonstrating why her concert performances were legendary and why studio recordings, however polished, couldn’t fully capture her artistry. This interpretation influenced how gospel and soul artists approached covering popular songs, showing that bringing sacred music traditions to secular material could elevate rather than diminish either tradition when done with Franklin’s skill and authenticity.
“Rock Steady” – Funk Groove Mastery
“Rock Steady” showcases Aretha Franklin embracing funk with absolute conviction, delivering a groove-heavy 1971 track that demonstrated her ability to evolve with contemporary sounds while maintaining her essential identity. The song features production by Franklin herself alongside Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin, with a bass line and rhythm guitar that lock into a relentless funk groove while horns provide punctuation rather than melodic content. Franklin’s vocal delivery adapts to the funkier material, with her phrasing becoming more rhythmic and syncopated while retaining the gospel-influenced runs and dynamic control that distinguished her from purely funk-oriented vocalists. The track reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the R&B chart, proving Franklin could compete in the funk-dominated early ’70s market without compromising her artistry or chasing trends at the expense of her musical identity. “Rock Steady” works brilliantly in social settings—it’s one of those tracks that gets people moving instinctively while rewarding close listening with its sophisticated arrangement and Franklin’s effortlessly commanding vocal performance.
“Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” – Heartbreak Delivered With Power
“Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” finds Aretha Franklin delivering one of her most emotionally raw performances, taking Ben E. King’s 1962 original and infusing it with a pain and power that makes the heartbreak feel immediate rather than nostalgic. The 1970 Atlantic Records production features a dramatic string arrangement that swells during the chorus while the rhythm section maintains a steady, almost hypnotic groove that supports Franklin’s vocal without overwhelming it. Franklin’s interpretation adds gospel-influenced phrasing and dynamics that weren’t present in King’s version, with her voice moving from controlled pain in the verses to barely contained anguish in the chorus, creating emotional authenticity that makes every listener feel her hurt. The song topped the R&B chart and reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating Franklin’s ability to revisit older material and make it completely contemporary and personally relevant. This recording showcases why Franklin was such a brilliant interpreter—she understood songs structurally and emotionally, knowing exactly where to add intensity and where to pull back for maximum impact.
“Day Dreaming” – Romantic Reverie Captured in Sound
“Day Dreaming” represents Aretha Franklin at her most romantic and melodically sophisticated, with a 1972 composition she wrote herself that showcases her abilities as a songwriter alongside her legendary vocal talents. The production features lush strings, electric piano, and a relaxed groove that creates a dreamy atmosphere perfectly matching the lyrical content about romantic fantasy and desire. Franklin’s vocal performance is remarkably restrained for someone capable of gospel power—she sings with breathy intimacy and gentle phrasing that makes the listener feel like they’re overhearing private thoughts rather than experiencing a performed song. The track reached number five on the R&B chart and demonstrated Franklin’s range as an artist—she could deliver powerful anthems and intimate ballads with equal conviction, never locked into a single emotional register or musical approach. “Day Dreaming” influenced how R&B approached romantic balladry, showing that sophistication and accessibility weren’t mutually exclusive and that restraint could be as powerful as vocal fireworks when deployed with Franklin’s musical intelligence and emotional authenticity.
“Spanish Harlem” – Crossing Genre Boundaries
“Spanish Harlem” finds Aretha Franklin tackling a song associated with Ben E. King and bringing her soul power to a composition that blends Latin influences with R&B traditions. Recorded in 1971, Franklin’s version features a sophisticated arrangement with strings, flutes, and percussion that creates an exotic atmosphere while her vocal remains rooted in gospel and soul traditions, creating fascinating cultural cross-pollination. Franklin’s interpretation respects the original melody while adding her characteristic runs and dynamic swells in strategic places, enhancing rather than overwhelming the song’s delicate beauty with her powerful instrument. The performance demonstrates Franklin’s musicianship—she understood when to showcase her voice’s power and when to serve the song’s needs, creating interpretations that honored source material while making it undeniably hers. This approach to covering songs from different genres and cultural traditions influenced how soul artists understood their relationship to the broader American songbook, showing that bringing your authentic voice to material was more respectful than attempting to mimic original versions.
“Call Me” – Passionate Plea With Gospel Fire
“Call Me” delivers Aretha Franklin at her most passionate, with a 1970 recording that builds from restrained verses to an absolutely explosive climax where her gospel roots become undeniable. The production by Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, and Arif Mardin features a driving rhythm section, dramatic horn arrangements, and string sections that create a wall of sound supporting Franklin’s increasingly intense vocal performance. Franklin’s interpretation transforms what could be a simple romantic plea into something approaching religious fervor, with her voice in the final sections suggesting the kind of spiritual ecstasy typically reserved for sacred music rather than secular love songs. The track reached number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a favorite among serious Franklin fans who appreciated her willingness to push emotional and vocal intensity to extremes that lesser artists couldn’t sustain without losing control or credibility. When experienced through quality audio equipment, the recording reveals its full power—the way Franklin’s voice cuts through the dense arrangement, the subtle instrumental touches, and the dynamic range that moves from whisper to roar without ever distorting or losing clarity.
“Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” – Stevie Wonder’s Gift to Aretha
“Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” became one of Aretha Franklin’s biggest hits of the mid-1970s, featuring a Stevie Wonder composition that Franklin transformed with her signature vocal approach. The 1973 production by Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin features a smooth, sophisticated arrangement with prominent bass, subtle strings, and electric piano creating a mellow yet engaging groove. Franklin’s vocal performance balances determination with vulnerability, singing about waiting for a lover’s return with enough strength to avoid seeming desperate while conveying genuine longing and emotional investment. The song topped the R&B chart and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating Franklin’s commercial viability in the changing musical landscape of the mid-’70s when funk and disco were beginning to dominate R&B radio. This track showcases Franklin’s ability to work with contemporary songwriters and sounds while maintaining her essential artistry, never becoming a mere interpreter of other people’s material but always bringing her distinctive voice and interpretation to everything she recorded.
“Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)” – Raw Blues Power
“Dr. Feelgood” represents Aretha Franklin tackling gritty blues material with uninhibited power and sexuality that reminded audiences of her church-trained roots channeled through secular expression. Recorded in 1967 during her groundbreaking Atlantic sessions, the song features a driving blues groove with prominent organ, punchy horns, and a rhythm section that creates relentless momentum supporting Franklin’s increasingly intense vocal. Franklin’s performance is remarkably raw for a major label pop recording—she shouts, moans, and delivers the innuendo-filled lyrics with a conviction that makes the double meanings impossible to ignore while avoiding vulgarity through sheer artistry. The track reached number two on the R&B chart and demonstrated Franklin could deliver blues authenticity alongside her more polished soul productions, maintaining credibility with traditional blues audiences while creating something contemporary and commercially successful. This recording influenced how female R&B vocalists understood they could express sexuality and power simultaneously, with Franklin showing that church training and sensual expression weren’t contradictory but could enhance each other when channeled through genuine artistry.
“Angel” – Tender Balladry at Its Finest
“Angel” showcases Aretha Franklin’s gift for tender balladry, delivering a 1973 composition by her sister Carolyn Franklin that features some of Aretha’s most emotionally vulnerable vocal work. The production creates an intimate atmosphere with gentle string arrangements, subtle percussion, and electric piano providing harmonic support while leaving generous space for Franklin’s voice to convey the song’s message of gratitude and love. Franklin’s vocal performance is remarkably controlled—she doesn’t resort to melismatic runs or power notes but instead lets the melody and lyrics speak through clear, emotionally direct singing that makes every phrase feel like honest communication rather than performance. The song reached number twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B chart, demonstrating that Franklin’s audiences appreciated her restraint and intimacy as much as her powerful anthems. “Angel” demonstrates the full range of Franklin’s artistry—she possessed the technical ability to sing anything but the musical intelligence to understand what each song required, serving the material rather than using it as a vehicle for vocal demonstration.
“Jump to It” – ’80s Comeback Hit
“Jump to It” marked Aretha Franklin’s successful navigation into 1980s contemporary R&B, with Luther Vandross producing and writing a track that updated Franklin’s sound while respecting her legacy. The 1982 recording features drum machines, synthesizers, and production techniques that were current for the era while maintaining enough organic warmth and musical sophistication to avoid sounding like Franklin was simply chasing trends. Franklin’s vocal performance adapts to the more rhythm-focused production without losing her essential character, with her phrasing and runs working with the programmed beats rather than fighting against them. The title track reached number one on the R&B chart and number twenty-four on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Franklin remained relevant and commercially viable in an era dominated by younger artists and electronic production. This collaboration with Vandross demonstrated mutual respect between generations—Vandross brought contemporary sounds while honoring Franklin’s artistry, and Franklin trusted his production while bringing her unmatched vocal abilities to the modern arrangement.
“Freeway of Love” – Nadir Walden Production Magic
“Freeway of Love” became one of Aretha Franklin’s biggest hits of the 1980s, with Nadir Walden’s production creating a perfect fusion of Franklin’s soul power with contemporary pop-rock and dance elements. The 1985 track features prominent saxophone from Clarence Clemons of E Street Band fame, synthesizers, and a driving rhythm that made the song equally effective on dance floors and radio playlists. Franklin’s vocal performance is joyful and energetic, delivering the automobile-themed lyrics with playfulness while demonstrating her voice had lost none of its power despite decades of recording and performing. The song topped the R&B chart, reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and won Franklin a Grammy Award, cementing her comeback and proving she could compete commercially with Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna in MTV’s era. “Freeway of Love” worked because it didn’t try to make Franklin sound young—instead, it created a contemporary arrangement that showcased her timeless vocal abilities, proving that genuine talent transcends trends when paired with sympathetic, intelligent production.
“I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” – The Atlantic Era Begins
“I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” represents the beginning of Aretha Franklin’s Atlantic Records period and the moment she transformed from a talented singer into the Queen of Soul. Recorded in 1967 at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the song features production by Jerry Wexler and an arrangement that perfectly balanced Southern soul groove with Franklin’s gospel-trained voice. Franklin’s vocal performance establishes the template she would follow throughout her Atlantic years—she starts relatively restrained and builds intensity gradually, using dynamics and phrasing to create emotional arc rather than simply belting from beginning to end. The track topped the R&B chart and reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, announcing Franklin’s arrival as a major force in popular music and beginning a streak of hits that would define 1960s soul music. This recording changed how producers approached working with powerful vocalists, showing that giving artists space and supporting rather than overwhelming their natural abilities could create something more commercially successful and artistically satisfying than heavily produced vocal performances.
“Ain’t No Way” – Carolyn Franklin’s Gift
“Ain’t No Way” features a composition by Aretha’s sister Carolyn Franklin that became one of Aretha’s most emotionally devastating performances, with a vocal arrangement that showcases both sisters’ talents. The 1968 Atlantic recording features a dramatic production with strings, piano, and minimal rhythm section creating space for Franklin’s voice to express the song’s message of impossible love and emotional truth. Franklin’s vocal performance moves from controlled pain in the verses to almost unbearable vulnerability in the chorus, with her voice occasionally cracking in ways that enhance rather than detract from the emotional impact, suggesting genuine suffering rather than calculated performance. The background vocals featuring Carolyn Franklin add another layer of emotional complexity, with the sisters’ voices intertwining in ways that suggest both harmony and tension, mirroring the song’s lyrical content. This track reached number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and demonstrated Franklin’s willingness to be genuinely vulnerable in her recordings, creating moments of emotional nakedness that were rare in commercial pop music and established deeper connections with audiences who recognized authentic expression.
“Who’s Zoomin’ Who” – Title Track Success
“Who’s Zoomin’ Who” gave Aretha Franklin a major hit in 1985 with a contemporary production that featured synthesizers, drum machines, and a melodic hook that perfectly suited MTV-era radio while showcasing Franklin’s vocal prowess. Produced by Nadir Walden, the song features a slick, commercial production that could have sounded generic with a lesser vocalist but Franklin’s voice cuts through the ’80s production sheen with power and personality. Franklin’s vocal performance demonstrates her adaptability—she phrases rhythmically to match the dance-oriented production while adding gospel-influenced runs in strategic places that remind listeners they’re hearing the Queen of Soul, not just another ’80s pop singer. The track reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the R&B chart, with its success introducing Franklin to a generation of listeners who might have known her reputation but hadn’t experienced her music firsthand. For those exploring different songs across genres, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” demonstrates how legendary artists can adapt to contemporary sounds without sacrificing their essential identity, maintaining relevance across decades through combination of timeless talent and willingness to evolve.
“Spirit in the Dark” – Gospel Soul Unleashed
“Spirit in the Dark” represents Aretha Franklin channeling pure gospel energy into a secular context, creating a recording that captures the ecstatic religious experience and translates it into soul music. The 1970 track features a driving rhythm section, prominent piano, and an arrangement that builds intensity gradually until Franklin’s voice reaches levels of fervor typically reserved for church rather than pop records. Franklin’s vocal performance is absolutely unleashed—she shouts, moans, and delivers runs that suggest speaking in tongues reimagined as melodic improvisation, creating a sense of spiritual possession that’s thrilling and overwhelming simultaneously. The recording captures what made Franklin’s live performances legendary—she wasn’t just singing but testifying, channeling something beyond mere entertainment into transcendent musical experience. This track influenced how soul and funk artists understood the relationship between sacred and secular music, showing that bringing genuine gospel intensity to R&B could create something more powerful than either genre achieved in isolation, as long as the artist possessed Franklin’s combination of technical mastery and spiritual authenticity.
“A Rose Is Still a Rose” – Lauryn Hill Collaboration
“A Rose Is Still a Rose” marked Aretha Franklin’s collaboration with Lauryn Hill in 1998, creating a contemporary R&B track that introduced Franklin to hip-hop-influenced production while maintaining her vocal identity. Hill’s production features programmed beats, samples, and a modern R&B arrangement that could have clashed with Franklin’s traditional approach, but instead, the two artists found common ground in their shared roots in church music and emotional authenticity. Franklin’s vocal performance demonstrates remarkable adaptability for an artist in her fifties working with production styles developed decades after her commercial peak—she phrases with the rhythm track while maintaining the dynamic control and gospel-influenced runs that defined her artistry. The song reached number twenty-six on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Franklin a Grammy nomination, proving she could still create commercially viable and artistically satisfying music with production that bore little resemblance to her classic Atlantic recordings. This collaboration demonstrated mutual respect between generations—Hill brought contemporary sounds while honoring Franklin’s legacy, and Franklin trusted Hill’s vision while bringing unmatched vocal abilities and decades of experience to the modern production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aretha Franklin’s most famous song?
“Respect” is undoubtedly Aretha Franklin’s most famous song and one of the most culturally significant recordings in American music history. Released in 1967, Franklin’s version of Otis Redding’s composition topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, won two Grammy Awards, and became an anthem for both the civil rights and feminist movements. The song’s cultural impact extends far beyond its commercial success, with Franklin’s interpretation completely overshadowing Redding’s original and becoming synonymous with demands for dignity, equality, and recognition that resonated across racial, gender, and generational boundaries.
How many Grammy Awards did Aretha Franklin win?
Aretha Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career, spanning categories including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best Soul Gospel Performance, and Best R&B Performance. Her Grammy success began in 1967 with her first two wins for “Respect” and continued through 2008 when she won her final competitive Grammy for the gospel album This Christmas, Aretha. Beyond her competitive wins, Franklin received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994, recognizing her profound impact on music and culture that transcended any single recording or performance.
What was Aretha Franklin’s vocal range?
Aretha Franklin possessed a remarkable vocal range spanning approximately four octaves, from the low contralto range around E3 up to high soprano notes around E7, though she most comfortably operated in the mezzo-soprano to soprano range. Her gospel training gave her the technical foundation to move seamlessly between registers, with her chest voice maintaining power and clarity even in higher ranges where many singers transition to head voice. Franklin’s range wasn’t just about hitting notes but about the control, dynamics, and emotional expressiveness she brought to every part of her range, making technical discussions of octaves almost beside the point when experiencing the totality of her vocal artistry.
Which Aretha Franklin album is considered her best?
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967) is widely considered Aretha Franklin’s best album and one of the greatest soul albums ever recorded. This Atlantic Records debut features multiple classics including “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and the title track, capturing Franklin at the moment she transformed from talented singer to cultural icon. The album showcases Jerry Wexler’s sympathetic production, the Muscle Shoals rhythm section’s groove, and Franklin’s voice at its absolute peak, creating a perfect synthesis of gospel roots, soul sensibility, and commercial appeal that defined 1960s R&B and influenced generations of subsequent artists.
Why is Aretha Franklin called the Queen of Soul?
Aretha Franklin earned the title “Queen of Soul” through her unmatched combination of gospel-trained vocal power, emotional authenticity, and cultural impact that defined soul music during its golden era and beyond. DJ Pervis Spann is credited with first calling Franklin the Queen of Soul in the late 1960s, and the title stuck because Franklin’s artistry genuinely embodied everything soul music represented—the fusion of sacred and secular traditions, the transformation of personal pain into universal expression, and the technical excellence that elevated popular music into art. Franklin’s influence extended beyond music into civil rights activism and cultural leadership, making her royalty not just in musical terms but as a symbol of Black excellence and female empowerment.