4. Black Widow – Avengers
Who plays her: Scarlet Johansson
Powers/Abilities: Agility, martial arts, slowed aging, enhanced immune system, and much more
Why she’s so empowering: As a Russian agent, Natasha Romanova is a deadly force and could have been one of those characters The Avengers would have to kill. Yet, she got away from the people who raised her and turned her into the assassin that she is. This in itself is empowering, showing that you’re not who you are raised to be.
Yet, there’s so much more to this character. Black Widow may her some agility and martial arts training, but she isn’t just a fighter. She has developed connections and loyalties. She’s routinely shown that having people to love isn’t weakness but doesn’t dwell on the past.
Despite her loyalties to people (like Hawkeye), she will be on the opposite side of a war when necessary. Captain America: Civil War showed her willingness to fight on the side she believed was right. Yet, when she realized it was wrong (sometime off-screen) she went back to fight with Captain America and focused on protecting the world.
She has a willingness to accept when she is wrong. Black Widow can own up to her mistakes but will always stand up for herself when she is sure she’s done the right thing. This sort of personality trait is something we can all learn from – she loses the pride, which many of us suffer from having.
There’s much more to come from this former Russian spy and plenty of time to tell it. One thing is certain, she’s one of the most empowering women on TV.