10 Powerhouse Female Cartoon Characters That Continue To Be Great Role Models
The transparency of female cartoon characters from the past decades continues to enlighten young viewers who aspire to follow in their favorite cartoon character’s footsteps. There is no doubt that these female cartoon characters have changed the image of women as being a pretty face to women who are powerhouses. Here are ten powerhouse female cartoon characters that continue to be role models to younger generations.
1. Eliza Thornberry – The Wild Thornberrys
From the hit Nickelodeon show “The Wild Thornberrys,” Eliza showcases her ability to talk to animals in every adventure she embarks on. Due to her special power granted to her by a shaman, Eliza is able to help animals she meets while traveling the world with her family. This twelve-year-old adventurist isn’t afraid of danger when it comes to the livelihood of animals.
2. Reggie Rocket – Rocket Power
Reggie Rocket is introduced as a powerhouse female cartoon character who strives in multiple sports such as street hockey, surfing, snowboarding, and biking. She isn’t afraid to compete with her male counterparts. Often times, she proves to be stronger in particular sporting events than her brother Otto and their friends Twister and Sam. Reggie is the first person to stand up for a woman’s ability in sports and has set the bar for young girls to never be discouraged from doing activities based off of gender. Plus, she writes her own zine.
3. Ginger Foutley – As Told By Ginger
Emily Kapnek’s show “As Told by Ginger,” is one of the lesser known gems of Nickelodeon. Ginger is a junior high student at Lucky Jr. High working her way through the trials of life. She documents her experiences in her journal throughout every episode. Ginger is a relatable female cartoon character with a powerful mindset which heavily displays kindness, forgiveness, and friendship. Often times she learns that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
4. Kim Possible – Kim Possible
Kim Possible in her self-titled Disney Channel series “Kim Possible,” can do it all. She’s a crime-fighting cheerleader with an impeccable fashion sense. Her talent and strong dedication to her crime-fighting side job places her as one of the top female cartoon characters in the early 2000s.
5. Lilo Pelekai – Lilo and Stitch
Lilo is a young Hawaiian girl with a deep love of Elvis Presley and hula dancing who befriends a blue space alien prototype by the name of 626 also known as Stitch. Lilo is ambitious with her ohana (family) continuing to stay in her main focus. Lilo is an amazing female cartoon character based on her display of friendship and genuine love of the people and culture that surrounds her.
6. Angelica Pickles – Rugrats
Illustrated with an abundance of confidence Angelica is a powerhouse three-year-old who holds a queen position in one of the first Nickelodeon cartoons to grace the television screen. Though, she is known for bullying the younger babies around, Angelica occasionally shows that she has a heart. Her leadership and love of cookies continue to grow even in the later spinoff series “All Grown Up.”
7. Velma Dinkley – Scooby Doo
Jinkies! Yes, of course, Velma is another strong female cartoon character that continues to show girls that having a brain shouldn’t be a mystery. Velma has been rocking the spot as a powerhouse female character since 1969 to present day.
8. Katara – Avatar: The Last Airbender
Katara is a complete powerhouse when it comes to restoring peace to the world while fighting alongside the Avatar. She is a strong waterbender yet carries a motherly way to her. She is a nurturer with no time for sexist rules from anyone who judges her bending ability.
9. Penny Proud – The Proud Family
Penny is an ordinary fourteen-year-old girl with a sassy, cute spunk to her that sets her apart from her peers. What makes Penny an amazing female cartoon character is how she lives her life the way she wants to. When she makes mistakes she learns from them and in turn grows as an individual. She isn’t afraid to get real with her friends. And in some cases be real with herself.
10. Lisa Simpson – The Simpsons
Lisa is the middle child in the Simpson family. She is clever beyond her years and constantly takes a stand for what’s right. Lisa is a brilliant young feminist who is a natural born leader.
