For a show that was set way back when, this period drama has a lot of fans on board with its powerful and ambitious leading ladies. Of course, Lady Bridgerton raised her girls to be strong-willed – and Eloise and Daphne couldn’t be better examples of smart young women.

Bridgerton offers an intriguing dichotomy between genders, and in a time when women were to be married and have kids, Eloise and Daphne keep their heads held high and shoot for the stars – no matter if their gender tries to hold them back in society’s eyes. It’s time to celebrate some of the biggest feminist moments from these two characters.

Eloise: When She Smoked On The Swing

This is a recurring theme, but no one will forget the first time Benedict caught Eloise sitting outside in the dark, smoking a cigarette on the swing. He didn’t care, but rather the two swung and smoked and talked about societal expectations.

Eloise opened up about not really wanting anything to do with the marriage and life that she was expected to have. Truly, this moment set up Eloise’s character as a strong woman that wanted far more than to live a simple, expected life.

Daphne: When She Brushed Off Simon

Every woman during social season was swooning over their potential husband, and they were especially floored when the Duke of Hastings came to town. Of course, Daphne really didn’t care – and didn’t even know who he was.

Regardless of what man approached her, Daphne was pretty authentic and wasn’t just going to bow her head and smile prettily at each passing man. She gave Simon some sass, and it was both entertaining and totally admirable to watch.

Eloise: Her Admiration For Lady Whistledown

Eloise becomes a bit obsessed with trying to figure out who Lady Whistledown is, but it mainly appears to be out of admiration. Eloise loves that this woman is spending her time writing – and doing what she loves, without a thought for societal expectations.

In a talk with Benedict, Eloise says that she envies his choice to become an artist, and that’s why she commends Lady Whistledown for taking a chance. Every woman watching definitely applauded Eloise for this statement.

Daphne: When She Shared Her Hopes For Eloise

It’s no secret to any fan that Daphne and Eloise have a lot of differences, but these lovable characters also share their value for ambition and passion. They just have different ideas of what that means. When Daphne gets married, her and Eloise finally have a civil conversation.

Despite living a totally different life, Daphne tells Eloise that she knows she’ll make her own path in the world, whatever it may be. This acceptance of Eloise was a sweet and wholesome moment about women supporting women.

Eloise: When She Left The Concert

Benedict and Eloise are a pretty great pair, and both were less than interested in staying at the concert. While it might be seen as a simple distaste, Eloise’s refusal to just “go with the flow” is actually pretty inspiring – and funny to watch.

She’s distressed about the fact that Queen Charlotte has hired the Bowstreet Runners to uncover the identity of Lady Whistledown, and is determined to get to the bottom of it first. Her determination and willingness to do what she wants definitely makes her a feminist icon.

Daphne: When She Punched Nigel Berbrooke

Feminist doesn’t exactly go hand-in-hand with violence, but there was no fan that wasn’t applauding Daphne when she punched Nigel Berbrooke in the face. After he tried to take advantage of her, Daphne protected herself.

Her willingness to also refuse Nigel as a potential suitor, even in conversation, points to her strength and self-worth. She isn’t going to pretend to be happy when she’s not, and she knows what she doesn’t want as much as she knows what she does.

Eloise: When She Thanked Daphne For Being ‘Perfect’

Again, these two sisters are often at odds with each other, but both of them are strong and independent women – and know there’s no point in trying to bring each other down. After Daphne lets Eloise leave her wedding to go to the library, it’s Eloise’s turn to express gratitude.

She tells Daphne she’s perfect and is grateful so that she “doesn’t have to be.” It’s not a slight, but rather an actual thanks so that Eloise can read her books and write in her journal as the younger sibling with fewer expectations. Daphne encouraged her intelligence and her passion, and Eloise returned the favor with a thank you.

Daphne: When She Stops The Duel

If there’s any character that was sick and tired of men calling the shots and resorting to childish traditions – it’s Daphne. She wasn’t about to watch her brother or Simon get killed in a duel, especially when it was literally about her.

She rode her horse to the duel AND stepped right in the middle of it. Daphne took fate into her own hands, and there was nothing more powerful and strong about doing that. Daphne finally proved to Simon and Anthony that was capable all on her own.

Eloise: All Of Her Rebellious Sleuthing

From confronting the Queen to digging in the living areas of the servants, Eloise really takes risks, and she’s a little rebel in the eyes of pretty much everyone. However, it’s not just entertaining, but it’s inspiring and riveting to watch Eloise do everything she can to discover who Lady Whistledown is.

She keeps her chin high in front of Queen Charlotte and has the brains to make her the #1 best sleuth in the ton. Her quick wit and risk-taking personality are bold traits for a woman to have in this time period, and it just makes her all the more incredible.

Daphne: When She Stepped Up As Duchess

Daphne may have fallen into the gender stereotype and married, but she wasn’t just going to sit and be an idle housewife. Daphne stepped up to help take care of the people as the Duchess, and she was willing to go out and meet them (despite making a few errors).

She matured quickly and perfectly, ready to be a leader. Daphne’s ability to lead and the wisdom she carries makes her a total feminist role model. From helping Marina to stepping up in her marriage, Daphne is certainly a queen in her own right.