Women’s Month: 11 fearless female characters who redefine empowerment

Women’s Month: 11 fearless female characters who redefine empowerment. Image: INQUIRER.net

Women have long been symbols of strength and resilience, may it be in real life or on-screen. Over the years, there are characters that have graced our screen and redefined what it means to be dauntless amid prejudices.

In celebration of Women’s Month, we’re putting a spotlight on some of the fearless, empowered female characters who have made their cinematic mark for showing that true power lies in embracing one’s autonomy.

Andy Sachs – ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Andy (Anne Hathaway) is a young journalist who moves to New York to work for a fashion magazine. Despite having the chance to taste the earthly pleasures of working for a powerful, authoritative yet cruel boss, Andy eventually learns to reject the girl boss fantasy after coming into the terms that there is no job worth sacrificing her mental health or a part of herself for.

Fa Mulan – ‘Mulan’ (1998)

Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) not only shows us her bravery when she decides to take the place of her aging father in the Chinese army, but also when she keeps fighting despite the obstacles and self-doubt.

Mulan defies traditional gender roles to protect her family and prove that courage and loyalty transcend stereotypes. And despite being ambitious, creative, and independent, Mulan is also not afraid to show her vulnerability and desires to be loved and accepted.

Lisbeth Salander – ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2011)

Lisbeth (Rooney Mara) is a brilliant computer expert and a survivor of a troubled past and a cruel society. Lisbeth defies the systems that try to control her after she is antagonized by her state-appointed guardian, who handles her finances and extorts sexual favors from her.

Lisbeth is a vigilante who wouldn’t let bad people get away with their actions as she is someone who is willing to go the extra mile and give people a taste of their medicine by taking matters into her own hands.

Daenerys Targaryen – ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 – 2019)

Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) starts as an exiled, timid princess, who is shadowed by the society and her brothers’ cruelty. She was smuggled across the Narrow Sea and was later betrothed to a powerful warlord. Despite her painful experiences, Daenerys soon learns to evolve into a fierce and independent ruler. With her determination and confidence, she becomes a woman who commands respect and wields power. 

Elphaba Thropp – ‘Wicked’ (2024)

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is a young woman who is outcast because of her green skin. Despite facing cruel judgment from the society, Elphaba remains true to herself and her ambitions. She is flawed like any other character, but Elphaba proves that someone’s flaws do not define their abilities and potential. Aside from her physical appearance, Elphaba is labeled as wicked because of her activism, yet, she continues to stand by her convictions and fight the status quo. 

Elphaba also teaches the audience that real friendships are not bound by sameness of appearance or personality, but it is built with mutual respect and acceptance of one’s differences after she befriends Galinda “Glinda” Upland (Ariana Grande), a popular, beautiful young woman, who deserves the same admiration as well.

Beth Harmon – ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

Chess prodigy Beth (Anya Taylor-Joy) is a beacon of confidence and ambition. Despite playing in a male dominated sport, Beth believes in her abilities and did not try to apologize about her self-made success. 

Beth also shows that feminine interests are not indications to not be taken seriously in the society because despite being a chess genius, she still very much cares about fashion and beauty.

Aside from being a symbol of talent, hard work, and perseverance, Beth also proves that people are not responsible for the trauma that has been inflicted on them by others, but it’s their duty to rise above them, for their personal growth and well-being.

Iris – ‘Companion’ (2024)

Iris (Sophie Thatcher) is a robot created to be a lover and sexual companion. Despite the sci-fi aspects, Iris symbolizes reclaiming one’s autonomy after breaking free from her manipulative owner. 

Iris shows that despite being programmed into submission, she has a woman’s wit and intuition too powerful to escape any confinement.

Harley Quinn – ‘Birds of Prey’ (2020)

After breaking free from her toxic relationship with the Joker, Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) discovers her own identity and autonomy. She becomes an image of independence and begins to live a life on her own terms.

Harley is also someone who is unapologetic about her daring persona and vulnerability. Her chaotic energy resonates with the people who advocate for self-expression, liberation, and personal growth.

Queen Ramonda – ‘Black Panther’ film series (2018-2022)

As the Queen of Wakanda, Ramonda (Angela Bassett) demonstrates fierce leadership and wisdom while navigating the challenges of loss, politics, and war.

Women in positions of power becomes the main theme of the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Ramonda being the queen, destroys the stigma of women being weak and emotional.

In the wake of the death of her son, Ramonda governs Wakanda with style and grace. And being a mother while also a ruler is a different kind of superpower.

Princess Leia Organa – ‘Star Wars’ (1977)

A leader of the Rebel Alliance, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) is a strong-willed and courageous woman who fights for justice, peace, and equality in the face of the Galactic Empire. 

At the time when female characters are not given a voice, Princess Leia takes charge and becomes the only woman in the room who makes decisions alongside her male counterparts. 

In the Star Wars world, Princess Leia withstood torture from Darth Vader, rescued Han Solo and killed Jabba the Hutt, and helped defeat the Death Star.

Kim Ji-young – ‘Kim Ji-young: Born 1982’ (2019)

Kim Ji-young (Jung Yu-mi) is a woman who is forced to abandon her sense of self and ambitions after becoming a wife and mother. The story follows her struggles of juggling her motherly duties, facing discrimination and social judgement.

It may be a long time coming, Ji-young learns to attend to her thoughts and feelings and use her challenges to empower herself and other women.