Top 10 Most Feminist Shondaland Moments

The ex-wife of resident hottie Dr. Derek Shepherd, or McDreamy, the badass Addison Montgomery quickly became a fan favorite - first on “Grey’s Anatomy,” then on her spinoff show, “Private Practice.” Addison has seemingly wanted to be a mother since we first met her in the early days of Grey’s Anatomy. Her string of bad luck with men and inability to conceive a child on her own throughout “Private Practice” left her devastated and convinced she would never be a mom. Finally, in season 5, Addison takes her fate into her own hands and adopts - on her own - an adorable baby boy whom she names Henry. This touching moment doesn’t only demonstrate her independence, but also proves that you don’t need to have a traditional family in order to be a parent.

Olivia Pope, a fixture in Washington politics, and President Grant have always had a complicated relationship. One of Olivia’s gladiators, and President Grant’s current Chief of Staff, Abby Whelan, calls the President out on his poor treatment of Olivia’s current flame, Jake Ballard. Later on, Grant reacts by calling Abby a bitch. Olivia demands that he not call her that. If he was describing a man, he would not use such degrading terminology, she says. Instead he would commend a man on his bold personality and ability to speak up. When it comes to women, there’s always a double standard. Where men are praised, women are torn down. It’s a compelling moment that drives us to look at the inequality between both genders and aim to do better as well as an extremely bold one, considering who Liv is talking to.

Michaela spent a lot of time in the shadow of her fiancé. After the engagement is called off and Michaela learns to stand on her own, his difficult mother re-enters the picture. She begs Michaela to give her son another chance and Michaela refuses. She explains that she knows he never loved her - but she loves herself and that is the most important attribute she can have. She is not going to shrink herself in order to please a man ever again. Self-love is a constant battle and Michaela proves that we have to always choose ourselves.

No woman is spared when it comes to the fight for equal pay. Even our favorite surgeon, Meredith Grey must fight the good fight. When she becomes the Chief of general surgery, Meredith comes to realize that she is making significantly less than other department heads. Meredith is rightfully outraged and goes to Chief Bailey, demanding more. She stands up for herself and lists the many ways in which she has contributed to the success of the hospital: she has been essential not only to her patients, but also the survival of Grey Sloan Memorial and she deserves to be compensated fairly for that. In the end, Dr. Bailey agrees and tells her that she just wanted her to stand up for herself and demand what she is entitled to.

Mellie Grant, the ex wife of President Fitzgerald Grant, has never had it easy. She has been humiliated in the media as the result of her husband’s public affairs. Then she was criticized and faced double standards for similar behavior, while Fitz was granted absolution. As Mellie so pointedly states, men can be forgiven many times, but a woman will never even be forgiven once. This is why it is especially moving and a great sign for women when Mellie overcomes all these obstacles. It’s an exciting moment for women to see Mellie be sworn in as the first female POTUS - on television at least. Hopefully it’s also a sign of what’s to come in the real world!

To keep in line with our string of strong, powerful women, is Dr. Bailey. She has always been a force to be reckoned with. Whether she is serving as Chief Resident or Attending, the doctors go to her for advice, guidance and sometimes punishments. In season 12, Dr. Bailey is awarded the honor of becoming the first female chief of surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, which is a position she has earned and worked hard for over the years. Coming after a string of male predecessors, Bailey has carved her own path and is showing that the future is female!

Annalise Keating has never been a perfect woman, nor does she claim to be. However, one thing you can always count on her for, is being a strong advocate for her clients. In this particular episode, she stands up to a racist judge in court. When her black client is not being given the legal rights he deserves, Annalise reads a 1985 ruling from a judge. In it, he states race must always be taken into consideration regarding the law. The judge is shocked when Annalise reveals the same racist judge presiding over the case is the one who wrote those powerful words. Annalise Keating is not one to lie down and take it and this empowering moment shows us that we always have to advocate for the less fortunate.

When a patient, Abby, comes into the ER, doctors soon discover that she is a survivor of a rape. Jo, and other doctors quickly rally around her when she is afraid to go into surgery. Jo connects with Abby on a personal level, having just found out she is a product of rape herself. It’s difficult to watch Jo reconcile everything she is feeling, but she still manages to put her feelings aside to be there for the patient and organizes for the female staff to form a wall down the hallway leading to the operating room. This touching display of support puts Abby at ease and shows the power that women have if we all band together.

When Congresswoman Josie Marcus is being interviewed, she doesn’t hold back. In fact, when she is being asked questions by the media, she goes for the jugular. The network requests that this interview take place in her home, and Josie doesn’t waste any time standing up for herself. She points out the sexism that is involved in politics on national television, with the public being constantly reminded that women can’t do the same just as a man. She says they speak in code by implying women don’t have the experience to be in power, when in fact they really mean they aren’t capable because they are women. This brave and unfiltered look at the struggles many strong women go through every day is definitely an important conversation to have - and Marcus initiated it - in public.

Before we unveil our #1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions...

Charlotte Heals Her Own Way
“Private Practice” (2007-13)

The Right Way to Compliment Cristina
“Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)

Charlotte Confronts Her Rapist
“Private Practice” (2007-13)

Annalise Keating Is Unapologetically Herself
“How to Get Away with Murder” (2014-)

Maggie Teaches Jo to “Bring the Thunder”
“Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)

Amelia has always felt as though she doesn’t measure up to her perfect brother, Derek Shepherd, a renowned neurosurgeon. She has always felt like she’s one step behind him. In “The Distance,” she operates on a brain tumor that no other doctor wants to touch - and wins. While everyone thinks she is out of her mind to perform the surgery, Amelia knows she has it in her to succeed. This proves to Amelia - and everyone else - that she is indeed a superhero who’s not to be messed with. It’s a great moment both personally and professionally and it teaches Amelia she is capable of anything.