Let's face it: being a woman is hard. Women are continually undermined, undervalued, and under-appreciated. There needs to be more equality between the genders all across the board. Women are beautiful, hard-working, powerful, and incredible creatures that deserve respect and chances to thrive in their beautiful glory! Though women have and continue to face adversity, I'm grateful to have iconic women to look up to in the world, both real and fictional.

There are some extraordinary female characters on television played by phenomenal female actresses. The characters that women portray are intelligent, skilled, progressive, independent, hard-working, artistic, helpful, creative, innovative, and liberating! These women are paving ways for so many women to take control of their lives and proclaim the total boss within them. Here are five shows with totally bad ass female leads that we can all take inspiration from.

1. "New Girl's" Jessica Day

Jessica Day is indeed a saint. Not only is she an incredible teacher and principle, but she is also a powerful and independent woman! She lives with all male roommates and demands respect and equality. Jessica loves to help people and will stop at nothing to be there for the ones that she loves. She almost sold her car to put her friend CeCe through college. Goals.

2. "Scandal's" Olivia Pope

I can honest to god say Olivia Pope is what I aspire to be like when I get older. Not only does she dress like a goddess, but she is excellent at her job! She is on her grind and thrives no matter her shortcomings. PLUS she literally told the President of the United States that he had to earn the privilege of being with her. I believe a "YES QUEEN," is an order.

3. "Shameless'" Fiona Gallagher

Fiona Gallagher is an underrated character that deserves a hell of a lot of respect. She's literally raised her whole entire family since the age of thirteen and works multiple strenuous jobs. At the beginning of, "Shameless," Fiona really didn't understand her worth, BUT once she found it, she was unstoppable. She took over as the owner and manager of a cozy restaurant and is a landlord of an up and coming apartment building in Chicago's west side. Fiona is making big moves.

4. "Blackish and Grownish's" Zoey Johnson

I'm sure a lot of first-year college students can relate to the life of Zoey Johnson. She's stressed the hell out about classes and trying to answer that daunting question, "Who am I?" Though Zoey is dealing with the anxiety that comes with being a teenager, she's killing the game! She's maintaining a 4.0 GPA, has a bomb friend group, and is possibly getting an internship at Cosmopolitan! Zoey is just a big mood.

5. "Grey's Anatomy's" Meredith Grey

I'm sure it's no shocker that another Shonda Rhimes character made it onto this list. Meredith Grey is slaying it! She's a killer general surgeon at one of the best hospitals in Seattle, and worked her ass off to get to where she is! It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (literally), and she made it in one of the hardest fields out there. Meredith is the physical manifestation of grit and determination.

In today's age, it's easy to feel defeated in the world that is womanhood. Though it's trying to stand as a woman today, it's CRUCIAL that we don't stop fighting for what we want! The world must stop at nothing to ensure that women make their dreams a reality and are entitled to their safety and well-being. The Jessicas, Olivias, Fionas, Zoeys, and Merediths of the world keep me determined, proud, and empowered to be a woman.