Star Wars Day 2020: The underrated women in the galaxy

Senator Padme Amidala: When she was introduced in ‘The Phantom Menace’, the first movie of the prequel series, Padme Amidala’s story held so much promise. She was queen of Naboo at 14, and even at such a young age she cut a solemn and responsible figure. She would go on to become Senator and was famous for her diplomacy skills and her pacifist views, as well as her deft skill with a blaster. However, subsequent movies sacrificed her heroic journey to focus on Anakin Skywalker’s road to the dark side, and she was merely used as a romantic interest, as she finally died after giving birth to their twins, Leia and Luke Skywalker.

Ahsoka Tano: The first female lead character to ever wield a lightsabre in the ‘Star Wars’ world, Ahsoka Tano, over the course of a little more than a decade, grew from Jedi Padawan to rebel leader. Making her debut in ‘The Clone Wars’ move in 2008, Ahsoka started off as an apprentice to Anakin Skywalker — who would go on to become Darth Vader. Her youth and smart attitude quickly made her a worthy entry point for a young generation of ‘Star Wars’ fans, and she never looked back. Word has it that Rosario Dawson has been cast to play the character in season two of ‘The Mandalorian’, set to drop in October this year.

Hera Syndulla: A revolutionary figure who would led the charge in the first rebellion against the Galactic Empire and the formation of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, Hera Syndulla was one of the primary characters of ‘Star Wars Rebels’. An expert pilot, Hera was the leader and heart of the ‘Rebels’ team, which included her partner Kanan Jarrus, Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger, Zeb Orrelios, and her lifelong astro-mech Chopper.

Captain Phasma: The commander of the First Order’s legion of storm troopers, Captain Phasma makes for an imposing antagonist and was the first female villain in the movies, making her debut in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. Ruthless and efficient, Phasma was a primary reason for Finn’s defection to the rebel side.

Jyn Erso: A former criminal, Jyn Erso unwittingly found herself becoming a member of the Alliance to Restore the Republic when she led the plan to steal the Death Star plans during the Battle of Scarif. Fearless and vulnerable at the same time, Erso willingly sacrificed her life for the greater good and essentially kick-started the plan that would bring down Darth Vader.

Rose Tico: First appearing in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, Rose Tico is a maintenance worker for the Rebels who, spurred by the death of her sister during a mission, goes on her own heroic journey. Coming from a humble background, Rose was empathetic, eager and loyal and was ready to lay down her life for those she cared about.

L3-37: A unique droid, L3-37 or L3, was constantly assembling and improving herself with scraps of other droids. An enlightened navigator, she fought hard for the rights of droids and ultimately died for it.