Strong Women: A Character Study

Yesterday I watched a reel showing the transition of Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton) between Terminator 1 & 2. Even now, 32 years after the second movie was released, the video has thousands of comments in awe of the level of transformation achieved by the character. It seems that even with the advancements of modern day women empowerment, strong women are still a novel and fascinating concept. It makes me think about a quote I read from Joss Whedon, who created Buffy the Vampire Slayer. When asked “why do you write strong female characters” he answered “because you’re still asking me that question.” 

So what makes a strong woman? The transition of Linda Hamilton for her character in Terminator showed a stark physical metamorphosis. Yet, that is only one facet of her transformation. To be strong isn’t about what’s outside at all. You can certainly feel stronger by changing your physical presence. Take Tia Toomey; who achieved 6 consecutive wins at the CrossFit games. She is a legend to behold. However, her strength cannot only be measured by her ability to lift weight to an outstanding degree. I’m fascinated by her drive and determination. It’s this determination that holds its own within the depths of many strong female character arcs in popular culture. The portrayal of strength in women is multifaceted, transcending stereotypes and conventions. The composition of a strong woman encompasses an amalgamation of traits, values, and actions that forge an inspiring and resilient character. It’s something I personally strive to achieve. So let’s delve into the aspects of a strong woman. 

Self-Awareness and Confidence

Self-awareness forms a cornerstone of strength. In knowing yourself; your strengths, weaknesses and aspirations, you create your morals & boundaries. This isn’t just about accepting your positive aspects, it’s in accepting your flaws; areas that require work and growth. Knowing yourself is a pursuit, not a destination. But your core values should be held as truth with confidence, whether there is work to be done or not. Being confident in the person that you are emanates from an inner belief in oneself and the ability to face challenges head-on. Take the recent Barbie character. The narratives from other characters bombard her with the flaws of womanhood and the challenging demands of society. She accepts this, fully knowing herself as the movie concludes, choosing to still live within a world that may try to quash her spirit, believing in her own truth and morals regardless. That is strength. 

Resilience and Adaptability

Probably the most important aspect of strong women. The ability to possess an unparalleled resilience—a tenacity to navigate life's storms. Not just navigate them, but in facing the storm knowing that you’ll survive, because there’s no other option. Being wholeheartedly adaptable to embracing change, to evolve, and to thrive in the face of adversity. It isn’t about power, but feeling empowered, not self-serving but self-sacrificing; fighting the good fight. Not settling, but demanding more of what’s moral, just, and holding fast in the knowledge that you won’t give up, even when life throws every possible adversary into the mix.

Empathy and Compassion

Empathy, often synonymous with strength, allows a deeper connection with others. Sitting in someone else’s truth and fully respecting it. Compassion isn't a sign of weakness; it's an emblem of strength. You cannot be strong without being open to softness. You cannot fully understand without fully immersing yourself in another’s perspective.

Independence and Self-Sufficiency

Independence is not about standing alone but having the autonomy to make choices and decisions. Being a strong woman is extremely tough, even in this day and age. Making hard choices and standing by them is not easy, however cultivates self-sufficiency and the ability to rely on yourself, while still fostering self belief and resilience. 

Perseverance and Ambition

Driven by ambition, strong women set goals that align with their core boundaries and pursue them with determination. They embrace perseverance, weathering challenges and setbacks, fueled by their aspirations and unwavering dedication to their visions. They fall down. But they get back up again. 

Authenticity and Assertiveness

Authenticity is a trait that distinguishes strong women—they stay true to themselves, unafraid to embrace their uniqueness. Assertiveness, coupled with empathy, allows them to voice opinions and stand up for their beliefs without diminishing others' voices.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Strong women acknowledge that growth is a perpetual journey. They want to learn and constantly evolve. Their commitment to self-improvement propels them forward, inspiring others through their ongoing development.

Leadership and Mentorship

They lead by example, not by domination. Strong women inspire and empower. They recognize the importance of uplifting others and guiding them toward their own paths of strength and success.

Advocacy and Empowerment

Advocating for themselves and others, strong women champion their core principles and values. They do not relent to anyone else’s measure of who they are and the opinion of their character. Yes, they are open to perspective, but they do not let the world dictate to them. 

The elements of a strong woman are an intricate interplay of resilience, compassion, ambition, and authenticity. From Sarah Conner’s transition from “Do I look like the mother of the future? I mean am I tough, organized? … I didn't ask for this honor and I don't want any of it!” To “There is no fate but what we make for ourselves”. From Buffy’s transition from “I don't care! … I'm 16 years old. I don't wanna die.” To “I don't know what's coming next. But I do know it's gonna be just like this -hard, painful. But in the end, it's gonna be us.” And Barbie’s transition from “You can be brainwashed, or you can be ugly. There's nothing in between.” To “So, being human's not something I need to ask for or even want?... it's something that I just discover I am?” Being strong is a constantly fluctuating journey that incorporates so many existential factors, yet holds firm to an ever evolving and growing set of core truths. It is not measured by your physical ability, but in your ability to prioritise and utilise empowerment towards a higher goal. It’s in determination and resilience. So, in conclusion I thought it would be helpful to add the below. A true measurement of whether you yourself are a strong women (or person; this isn’t necessarily gender specific). If you can answer yes to any of these statements, well… you have your answer.

• I have walked into a room/meeting nervous, but not walked out
• I have prioritised someone else’s need above my own
• I have walked away from peer pressure/a friendship/relationship because it stepped over a core boundary 
• I have tried to achieve something others told me I’d fail at (whether it became a success or not)
• I have overcome money/relationship/career/family worries and am still standing
• I have fought for something that I feel is moral
• I seek to learn about my weaknesses and from them
• I seek to be a positive role model for the younger generation 
• Even when things are hard, I get up each morning and don’t give in 

XOXO, Gigi