The "Black Panther" Women Of Wakanda Are The Superheroes You Never Knew You Needed

Wakanda women, FOREVER!

Although Black Panther was directed by a man, written by men, and stars a male lead character...

Han Myung-gu / Getty Images

...the power of women runs deep throughout the film, from beginning to end.

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Let's start with Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright. Shuri is T'Challa's (Black Panther) younger sister. She's also Princess of Wakanda.

Marvel Studios

Why she's inspiring:

* She's an engineer of superior intelligence, which is a refreshing career change to see for women in movies, especially action genres.

* She's invented countless technologically-advanced gadgets to not only improve the living conditions of Wakanda, but also to protect them. This makes her a pivotal member of society.

Then there's Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong'o. Nakia is an undercover spy for Wakanda, who just so happens to have a heart of gold.

Marvel Studios

Why she's inspiring:

* Nakia's life mission is to help those in need and she wants to start with the underrepresented populations in her own country. She places her needs second to those around her, which allows her to easily sympathize and empathize with those around her.

*She's a woman of many skills, including an extensive background in martial arts training and being a polyglot.

But let's not forget about Danai Gurira's character Okoye, the trusted General of Armed Forces for the royal family of Wakanda.

Marvel Studios

Why she's inspiring:

* Okoye's loyalty is unmatched to any other character in the film. She goes above and beyond for her country, while also protecting her king, and leading the all-female Dora Milaje warriors. She's the epitome of strength, sacrifice, and resilience.

* She's a woman who's dedicated her life to her craft, living unapologetically by tradition. Bald, bold, and beautiful, Okoye shows why "fighting like a girl" is a compliment.

And last, but certainly not least, Angela Bassett's character Ramonda, the Queen of Wakanda.

Marvel Studios

Why she's inspiring:

* Although tasked with the title of Queen, Ramonda governs Wakanda with style and grace. On top of holding a royal title, she is also the mother of two of the most powerful people in the country, T'Challa and Shuri. And we all know being a mother is a superpower all its own.

* She may wear her heart on her sleeve, but it's those same feelings that empower her. Ramonda destroys the stigma of women's emotions equating weakness.

Not to mention, this is one of the first times I’ve seen women associated with a royal family being viewed as equals to the men in film/TV. Now that's epic.

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And I'm not the only person who thinks so. Here's what other people are saying about the women of Wakanda:

Twitter: @eveewing

Twitter: @MJFinesseLover

Twitter: @AsteadWesley

Twitter: @justinaireland

Twitter: @jurneesmollett

Twitter: @WEKetchum

Twitter: @WajahatAli

Twitter: @BritniDWrites

Mayim Bialik @missmayim

So.....#BlackPanther rocked my brain!! Besides the unbelievably inspiring social commentary and visuals, I was most… https://t.co/9t5A4iqBCK

03:47 PM - 20 Feb 2018

Twitter: @missmayim

Twitter: @_KarenHao

So remember, you might be going to the movies for Black Panther, but you'll leave the theater raving about the fierce women.