We see it in documented battles waged by real-life suffragettes and activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth and feel it channeled through our favorite fictional heroines - in the ongoing fight for women's equality, there's nothing better than watching a woman who simply refuses to be sidelined take center stage.

August 26th marks National Women's Equality Day, to celebrate, let's take a look at all of the fierce female characters who inspire us every day!

Roxie Hart from Chicago

Shimmy Shimmy, it's the Roaring Twenties! Roxie Hart isn't your typical role model, she's a fascinating study of how women can navigate and manipulate a system rigged against them. Roxie is a wannabe vaudeville star who finds herself in jail for murder. But instead of letting the justice system chew her up and spit her out, she uses her wits and a savvy lawyer to turn herself into a media sensation. Did someone say iconic?

Alice Paul and the Suffragists from Suffs

Alice Paul's strategic brilliance and the collective power of the suffragists force a nation to confront its contradictions and ultimately pave the way for future generations of women to have a voice in democracy. Suffs not only celebrates these historical figures but also reminds us that the struggle for equality is far from over - it's a battle that continues to be fought today. The women in Suffs are trailblazing, and game-changing and continue to inspire every step in the march for women's equality today.

Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady

The cockney flower girl turned proper lady' in My Fair Lady may seem like she's chasing a Cinderella story, but don't be fooled, My Fair Lady is really about showing a woman taking control of her destiny. While Professor Henry Higgins might think he's the one transforming Eliza, she's the one who ultimately decides who she wants to be. Eliza reminds us that equality isn't about fitting into someone else's mold - it's about breaking it and creating your own.

Elphaba from Wicked

She may not be popular, but she certainly challenges the status quo, and she's all about sticking it to the man! In a world where difference is feared, Elphaba dares to confront the corruption of the men around her. Her journey from a misunderstood outcast to a powerful revolutionary is filled with heartache, courage, wicked incantations, and moments of self-realization. Elphaba shows the power of embracing who we are, even if it makes others uncomfortable.

Celie from The Color Purple

Abused and oppressed for much of her life, Celie starts as a passive, voiceless character. But through the course of the musical, she finds her strength, her voice, and her sense of self-worth. She goes from being a victim of systemic abuse to a woman who takes control of her life, learns to love herself, and eventually finds her happiness. Only once Celie can believe in her worth will she truly step into the fight for equality.