International Women’s Day is upon us! A day to recognize and uphold women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements across nations. On March 8th, celebrate the inspiring acts of courage and determination of your favorite heroines on Disney+. We’re counting down Oola’s favorite inspirational Disney female characters, that motivate women and young girls around the globe to strive to be the best version of themselves.
10. Nani
Nani, the older sister of Lilo, became the sole legal guardian after a tragic car accident that killed both their parents. Nani, at 18-years-old, chose to devote her life unselfishly to the well-being and upbringing of her six-year-old sister. Not an easy feat for anyone, let alone a teenager. Nani strives to be her best self, and role model to Lilo, as she grieves for her parents. Aside from being a strong independent female, we see Nani instilling several other positive lessons upon Lilo, such as acceptance, determination, kindness, and responsibility. Watch Lilo And Stitch on Disney+!
9. Princess Tiana
Tiana is the epitome of girl power! Tiana made history as the first African-American princess in the Disney franchise. Tiana is an intelligent, resourceful, and highly talented young woman that stops at nothing when it comes to her following dreams, especially when it comes to opening her own restaurant. Her hardworking, caring, and ambitious nature has empowered women to know that anything is possible with hard work, friendship, and love. Catch The Princess and the Frog on Disney+ today!
8. Miss Bianca
Despite being a mouse, Miss Bianca is quite tenacious! As a member of the Rescue Aid Society, Miss Bianca is both fearless and daring. Miss Bianca bravely volunteers to face danger and set off on an adventure of a lifetime to rescue children in peril. She stops at nothing when the going gets tough, staying relentless in her pursuit to help others.
Don’t let her small stature fool you, Miss Bianca fights off evil Madame Medusa’s alligator henchman, Brutus and Nero, escapes drowning in a cave before the tide rushes in, and stops a ruthless poacher. Miss Bianca is a boss! Follow Miss Bianca on her adventures in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under on Disney+.
7. Officer Judy Hopps
Judy Hopps overcomes myriad of hardships and pessimism from others as she journeys to her ultimate success as Officer Judy Hopps. Judy bravely travels from the comfy, familiar rural town of Bunnyburrows to the bustling city of Zootopia to pursue a career as a police officer. We see Judy set the bar high as she ruthlessly seeks justice, all while encouraging those around her to let go of their stereotypes of others, prove their worth, and always reach for the stars, all while everything may seem at a loss. Watch Judy Hopps in Zootopia, where anyone can be anything on Disney+.
6. Princess Jasmine
Princess Jasmine, the daughter of a Sultan, is strong-willed and not afraid to speak her mind. She often stands up for what it is right, whether it be when she’s confronting the Captain of the Royal Guards, speaking her concerns to her father, or manipulating Jafar.
Jasmine courageously defies Agrahbah’s outdated notions and sets a precedent that a princess should not have to marry for political gain, nor have to remain under lock and key as if she were an object. Set off on a journey on a magical carpet ride alongside Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in Aladdin on Disney+.
5. Belle
Belle is known for being headstrong and independent, and most importantly, to have a burning passion for knowledge. Unlike other girls, Belle doesn’t fawn over the village’s beloved misogynist. Belle goes against the grain, refusing to fall into a restrictive mold. In Disney’s new live-action adaption of Beauty and the Beast, we see Belle invent a washing machine for children in the village to help with their chores, which would ultimately free up their time for education.
The village people destroyed the washer machine due to fears of something new and out of the ordinary. Belle’s willingness to provide change and teach others displays her progressive nature. Despite her hardships, Belle continues to strive for more. Watch Disney’s live-action re-telling of Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson and Dan Stevens or get nostalgic with Disney’s 1991 animated tale.
4. Anna
Anna may not have the elaborate gown, flashy power ballads, or icy magical powers, but we believe that’s what makes her even more extraordinary. Anna is the true hero in Frozen! Fierce, bold, and determined, Anna doesn’t wait for direction from others; instead, she takes action. Anna gets things done and saves the day! Anna has always shown us that she is quick-thinking, fearless, and devoted to family, ultimately sacrificing herself to save her sister in the act of true love. Bundle up for a snowy, icy adventure with Elsa and Anna in Frozen on Disney+, and Frozen 2 now available for purchase on digital and Blu-ray.
3. Rey
In the world of Star Wars, Rey’s involvement is essential for both women and young girls. Although Star Wars has had many strong female characters in the past, such as Princess Leia and Padme, Rey has provided something more profound, a female warrior that is front and center consistently respected by her male equivalents. Her abilities are not determined on preconceptions about gender stereotypes, but rather the fact that women can be and do anything. Rey’s unstoppable determination and dynamic ability is magnetic and inspiring! Join the resistance and catch Rey in The Rise of Skywalker on digital on March 17th and on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 31st.
2. Mulan
Mulan opens doors, defying strict gender roles. Mulan faces constant backlash for choosing to step outside of the box as a woman. She’s discriminated against for her appearances and failure to be more feminine. Mulan pushes through obstacles, resisting negativity, finding her true self as she secretly joins the army to save her father from enlisting in the army, and potentially death. Mulan stops at nothing and risks everything in her pursuit to save her country from the Huns, which she ultimately does. Purchase tickets for Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan, set to hit theaters on March 27th.
1. Moana
Moana may be the most inspiring Disney heroine of all. With absolutely zero love interests to distract her, Moana sets her attention on top priorities, how far she’ll go, and the environmental decay ravaging her village food source. As the daughter of the village chief, Moana takes charge and defies her father, in hopes to save the people of Motunui from ruin. Her act of incredible courage saved her family, home, and people. Moana is capable and strong, and so much more! Travel across the sea with Moana on Disney+!
Although we’ve only named our ten favorite inspiring Disney females, it is just the start of Disney’s tremendous efforts in portraying empowering Disney heroines that continue to inspire and motivate both young girls and women around the world. Let us know which Disney female character inspires you, and why?
