“I stand before you as a doormat,” Madonna said on stage at the Billboard Women in Music Event, before continuing, “Oh, I mean a female entertainer.” The line drew laughs during her speech, which she gave for accepting Billboard’s Woman of the Year 2016 award. But the sentiment hits on a very poignant matter.

Madonna went on to blast misogyny, sexism, and bullying and detailed many of the hardships she faced as a young singer when first entering the business. “There are no rules — if you’re a boy. There are rules if you’re a girl,” she observed. “If you’re a girl, you have to play the game. You’re allowed to be pretty and cute and sexy. But don’t act too smart. Don’t have an opinion that’s out of line with the status quo. You are allowed to be objectified by men and dress like a slut, but don’t own your sluttiness. And do not, I repeat do not, share your own sexual fantasies with the world,” she said. “Be what men want you to be, but more importantly, be what women feel comfortable with you being around other men. And finally, do not age. Because to age is a sin. You will be criticized and vilified and you will definitely not be played on the radio.”

Going against the status quo and unashamedly sharing her opinions has been what Madonna’s career has been all about, so naturally hearing her discuss these things, and how she’s been shamed for doing so, is an inspiring moment. Check out her speech below.