With the struggles and challenges they face, being a woman can be difficult, but it can be a beautiful thing, too, as they are able to rise above these and prove that they are powerful and resilient.

As we celebrate National Women’s Month, let us give props to these Kapamilya teleserye characters that reflect the depth and strength of a woman. They may have different personalities and battles to fight but all of them are empowered in their own right.

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo paints the harsh realities in one of the busiest places in Manila where poverty remains a perennial problem. Mokang (Lovi Poe) grew up in this place where dreams and hope can be scarce and where people often tell her that education is just a waste of effort. But, what’s admirable about Mokang is she never blamed her circumstances. Instead, she presses on and tries to finish her studies through a scholarship to give her family and herself a better life. Amidst her tough exterior, she’s just like every other girl fighting for what she wants no matter what.

Tindeng (Charo Santos) is equally admirable for her unwavering spirit despite her family’s misfortunes and chaotic relationships inside their home. She models unconditional love as she never gives up on her grandson Tanggol (Coco Martin) and has high hopes for him. The journey of Marites (Cherry Pie Picache) is filled with pain and trials, yet, she manages to get back up each time and fulfill her duties as a mother.

In The Iron Heart, Venus (Sue Ramirez) tells us that it’s okay to crumble sometimes, what matters is picking up the pieces and pushing on. She has endured many hardships from losing her mother and seeking justice for her wrongfully accused father. She put herself in a dangerous world and learned to survive by herself to fight for her loved ones. But still, even after her father was killed, she remained fearless. While she’s not equipped with physical skills, she has a strong heart, which brought her redemption. Venus proves that it’s not too late to start over again, this time, by choosing the good side and helping in Tisoy (Richard Gutierrez) and Eros (Jake Cuenca)’s secret missions.

In the messy world of Tatsulok, we see some fearless and brainy female gangsters. Apart from these qualities, loyalty is another weapon used by Nyx (Sofia Andres). Whether in good or bad times, she never leaves her best friend Eros. There’s also Atty Helen (Maricel Laxa), who won’t raise the white flag for the sake of her duties as a member of the Crime Investigation Bureau.

Janine Gutierrez is the new face of vengeance as she plays Alexa/Mila in Dirty Linen. Hell-bent on revenge, Alexa dons a double identity which is dangerous considering that she has infiltrated the world of her enemies, the Fiero clan. But because of her desire to solve her mother’s case and those of her friends’ loved ones, she dauntlessly puts her self in danger. Fighting alongside Alexa is the equally badass Lala (Jennica Garcia), who has her own story of survival and bravery to tell.

Inside the Fiero mansion are female members who are headstrong and borderline dangerous. In fact, we can say that the powerful clan is run by women. Barring the moral aspect of this family, Feliz (Angel Aquino) demonstrates a wife and mother’s love in that she will fight to keep her family intact.

Leona (Janice de Belen) and Doña Cielo (Tessie Tomas) are determined individuals who know how to play their cards well to rise to the top, and there was also a time when Doña Cielo displayed pure maternal love by comforting Feliz after Ador (Epy Quizon)’s porn business was exposed.

Despite feeling invisible at times, Chiara (Francine Diaz) is a praiseworthy teenager as she finds success in her studies and makes sure that her work is impeccable. Meanwhile, Tonet (Xyriel Manabat) shows that girls must be assertive as well, believing that she deserves what she wants and she is able to get them.

Nothing is more inspiring than watching successful and strong women. While these characters are just fictional, they possess stories that hit home and prove that women have the power to change the world – every day.