International Women's Day - Celebrating Strong Female Characters Who Inspire

Today is International Women’s Day - a day dedicated to celebrating the empowering, inspiring, and powerful women in our lives. This year’s theme is #BreaktheBias - a theme that encourages a world without bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

This discussion is more important than ever before. While we definitely don’t want to take away from the serious and essential nature of the conversation and action necessary, we also think there are other little fun ways to inspire the next generation and to challenge thinking, inspire change, and to celebrate women. This examination is possible in our workplaces, in our society, and yes, even in Disney.

Throughout Disney, you see female characters who embody characteristics that we should all strive for. Many face challenges, barriers, and judgment, but in the end, these characters, especially some of the more recent characters, push the boundaries, become stronger in who they are, and go after what they want. They are inspiring girls and women. Just think Mulan standing up for what she believes in, or the power of true love between sisters, Elsa and Anna, or Moana’s strong will to own who she is. They each have had the ability to inspire a whole new generation and to define what it means to be a Disney character. There are so many examples of strong, positive and inspiring Disney characters that we want to celebrate during this year’s International Women’s Day. So here is our list of some of the most inspiring female Disney characters:

• Nani - Lilo & Stitch

• Tiana - Princess and the Frog

• Mulan - Mulan

• Pocahontas - Pocahontas

• Elsa - Frozen

• Merida - Brave

• Moana - Moana

• Raya - Raya and the Last Dragon

• Mirabel - Encanto

Who would you add to this list and why? Leave your feedback below.