In the midst of our reality television and Kardashian riddled society, it can sometimes be difficult for young girls to find a suitable role model in the media. Although we do have some TV shows and movies in which women play powerful leading roles, many of these characters are still defined by their relationship with a man.

For instance, take Shonda Rhimes' critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated political drama "Scandal" in which Kerry Washington plays highbrow crisis manager Olivia Pope. Pope is a graduate of Princeton University and Georgetown Law School, owns her own consulting firm, Olivia Pope & Associates, and is a very successful and independent woman; yet her defining characteristic is being the mistress of the President of the United States.

Even Hollywood's top-billed leading ladies, such as Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence, are currently fighting to receive equal pay as their male costars.

When I was growing up the "M" in MTV stood for music instead of misogyny and there were a plethora of strong female characters in TV and film for girls to relate to and look up to. So ladies, add these '90s greats to your femspiration boards and online streaming lists.

1. Angela Chase ("My So-Called Life")

"My So-Called Life" dealt with real-life issues that affect teenagers every day without coming across as an after school special with futile efforts at instilling morality. Main character Angela Chase's commentary made it one of the most relatable TV shows for teens at the time, as it realistically portrayed teenage years as being confusing and difficult instead of a fun-filled time with sleepovers and school dances, as most shows did and still do. "My So-Called Life" also challenged traditional gender roles as Angela's mother Patty was the breadwinner of the household.

2. Topanga Lawrence ("Boy Meets World")

Topanga Lawrence is introduced as the resident feminist hippie of John Adams High, but eventually morphs into the intellectual overachiever and on again, off again love interest and eventual wife of main character Cory Matthews. She is never depicted as the damsel-in-distress and she never seems too concerned with what others think of her. Her realistic body type also makes her more likable and relatable. Topanga was a straight-A student all throughout high school and attended Pennbrook University. She eventually receives a scholarship to NYU Law School. During the span of the show, she defies traditional gender roles by kissing Cory first and proposing to him. Topanga also remains a virgin until her wedding night, which is rarely depicted in the media and illustrates how she refuses to lower her standards to meet society's expectations.

3. Jane Lane ("Daria")

Jane Lane is the wise-cracking best and only friend of eponymous character Daria. She is a visual artist and has a unique way of viewing the world. Her creativity, quick-wit and refusal to be seen as the weaker sex makes her a strong female character. She despises conventionalism and prides herself on her individuality. In the made-for-TV movie based on the series titled "Is It Fall Yet?", Daria tells Jane, "You know exactly who you are, and nobody's ever going to con you into thinking you don't." Jane attends Boston Fine Arts College with aspirations of being an artist.

4. Charlotte Pickles ("Rugrats")

Charlotte Pickles, as the powerhouse workaholic mother, challenged the housewife aesthetic that was usually placed on women in television. Although the disciplinarian of the household, she remains respected and admired by her daughter Angelica, who wants to be just like her when she grows up. Charlotte is an independent and hard-working mother who provides for her family and proves to be a great feminist role model for her daughter.

5. Wednesday Addams ("The Addams Family")

Macabre offspring of goth power couple Gomez and Morticia Addams, Wednesday refuses to conform to society's standards. Her unconventional interests and satirical humor illustrate an intelligent and mature young woman who does not care about what others think. She is brutally honest and always stands up for what she believes in. Wednesday always remains true to herself and exudes confidence in everything she does.

6. Lisa Simpson ("The Simpsons")

Thankfully this show is still airing, so Lisa Simpson's feminist ideals are still being voiced. Whether she is dressing up as a male to attend an all-boys math class or visiting a women's rights activist memorial in Washington D.C., which read, "I will iron your sheets when you iron out the inequities in your labor laws," she has remained an advocate for women's rights throughout the series. She is even quoted in 2008's Treehouse of Horror XIX episode as stating, "Why is it when a woman is confident and powerful, they call her a witch?"

7. Buffy Summers ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer")

"Buffy The Vampire Slayer" was way ahead of its time with the introduction of Buffy Summers who prevails as the strong heroine without losing her femininity in the process. Her physical prowess and proficiency in martial arts enable her to battle demonic entities, yet her girly girl personality remains intact. Her ability to defend herself against attackers challenges the weak and defenseless victim role usually portrayed by women in the horror genre. Buffy is a revolutionary female character who challenges the stereotypical views of feminism by being a vampire-slaying badass outfitted in a prom dress and leather jacket, with a crossbow in tow.

8. Jessie Spano ("Saved By The Bell")

Jessie Spano was the well-known resident feminist at Bayside High. She always stood up for what she believed in and was the first to put boyfriend A.C. Slater in his place when he made chauvinistic comments. Her penchant for activism led her to fight for many causes, including women's rights and equality. Jessie was salutatorian of her high school class and went on to attend Columbia University.

9. Darlene Conner ("Roseanne")

Darlene Connor is known for her sarcastic charm and quick wit. Growing up, she was a tomboy and even as she got older she never truly embraced the ultra-feminine persona like that of her older sister Becky. She eventually morphs into a rebellious misanthrope and remains as such for the remainder of the series. She is a writer and an artist who always follows the beat of her own drum. Darlene becomes the first Conner to continue her education when she attends college in Chicago.

10. Daria Morgendorffer ("Daria")

Daria Morgendorffer's trademark cynicism and biting sarcasm go hand-in-hand with her nihilistic worldview and her apathetic attitude. She is a well-read intellectual who is constantly voicing her opinions. Her unique interests, such as medical oddities and the television show "Sick, Sad World" classify her as an outcast yet she always remains true to herself. She hates materialism and being judged, and in an episode titled "Quinn The Brain," is quoted as saying, "Isn't there any time when how you look doesn't affect how you're judged?" Daria is known for being an exceptional writer and attends Raft College in Boston.