These Are My 7 Favorite Moments From TV That Will Make You Proud To Be A Woman

Boys will come and go, but a powerful female friendship will last forever.

Warning: The following post contains mentions of sexual assault, abuse, suicide, and violence.

1. Sex Education — The Girls Smash Up The Junk Yard

Netflix

Sex Education has long been recognized for its empowering, inclusive, and honest storytelling. After Aimee gets assaulted on the bus, she breaks down to the other girls at school and confides in them that she's been struggling to ride the bus ever since. They all share similar stories of unwanted sexual attention and bond over their anger at the injustice — leading them into a fantastic scene. Set to Paloma Faith's "Be Your Own Kind of Music," the girls take turns sharing their anger and smashing up a car in the junkyard, expressing their true feelings in an empowering and cathartic way.

2. Grey's Anatomy — Cristina and Izzie Wash Meredith

ABC

The women of Grey's Anatomy had some incredible and empowering moments of female friendship throughout the show, and went through some extreme challenges as the series went on. But one moment in particular that truly highlights their love for each other happens late in Season 2, after Meredith is trapped holding an explosive, which eventually explodes, killing two people beside her. Following a traumatic and terrifying day, Izzie and Cristina care for a shell shocked Meredith, removing her bloody scrubs and washing her clean of blood and debris. It's a gentle scene but one that shows the real strength of their bond.

3. Orange Is The New Black — The Inmates Stand Up For Red

Netflix

Before one of the most shocking twists in Orange Is The New Black history, at the end of the fourth season, beloved cook Red is subject to abuse and humiliation from aggressive new guard Piscatella. Not only does he prevent her from sleeping, interrogate her, remove her from her position, and isolate her from her friends, he's also physically aggressive with her, reducing her to a weak form in front of her fellow inmates. In a form of powerful protest, one by one the inmates begin to rise and stand on the cafeteria tables, standing together united against Piscatella's actions — regardless of any past conflict they may have had with Red or each other.

4. Ted Lasso — Rebecca and Keeley Create The AFC Richmond Women's Team

Apple TV+

In a show starring a male football team, it makes for a refreshing change to see two female characters becoming immediate favorites with so many viewers. Keeley and Rebecca's friendship is fun, supportive, and loyal and they help to boost each other up through grief, heartbreak, career worries, and romantic troubles. A defining moment of their growth together comes right at the very end of the show, as an excited Keeley shows Rebecca her proposal for an AFC Women's Football Team — something Rebecca is equally excited to fund. Not only does this *hopefully* imply a Lasso spin-off or additional series might be on the cards, it also shows the power of strong female friendships.

5. The Handmaid's Tale — The Handmaids Save Janine

Hulu

It's difficult to choose one defining moment of empowering female friendship from a show so defiant as The Handmaid's Tale, however one scene from the first series truly stuck out as a poignant and empowering example. After attempting suicide with her baby, troubled Janine is sentenced to stoning by her fellow Handmaids — having finally broken against the oppressive Gilead regime. However, despite knowing they will be punished severely for their disobedience, June and the fellow Handmaids opt to drop their stones instead, saving Janine's life.

6. Brooklyn Nine-Nine — Rosa And Amy Find A Wedding Dress

Fox

Empowerment can come in all shapes and forms, and in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the episode where Amy chooses her wedding dress is a particularly important standout. Reluctant to even think about her wedding whilst on duty, Amy is holding back from appearing too feminine in such a male-dominated police environment. However, Rosa encourages her to ignore all of the stereotypes and do something good for herself — regardless of what others might think. Amy then goes on to run down and catch a criminal whilst wearing her wedding dress, highlighting that no item of clothing can diminish your skill and power.

7. Scrubs — Jordan Shares Her Story of Postpartum Depression with Carla

ABC

Finally, let's head to Sacred Heart for one of the more serious storylines covered in Scrubs. After Carla gives birth to her daughter, husband Turk and Dr. Cox begin noticing that she's exhibiting signs of postpartum depression, despite her refusal to admit it. Realizing that they aren't able to get through to her, they call in Dr. Cox's ex-partner, heavily-pregnant Jordan, who sits down to have a brutally honest conversation with Carla about her mental health. Sharing the real thoughts, feelings and fears that can come with postpartum depression, the two women confide in each other and agree that Carla needs to get some help. It's a great and powerful scene highlighting the importance of strong female friendships.

What are some of your other favorite examples of empowering female friendships in shows? Let me know in the comments!