And maybe, Katniss Everdeen isn't much better of a role model. After all, she possesses completely unrealistic strength, being one of the best bowman in the entire world. One author, Ted Zaleski, offers an explanation for why we see these stronger female characters most often in fantasy.
“Fantasy by its very nature of not being ‘real’, allows the reader to more readily accept things that are not consistent with expectations of the world. We typically don’t expect a female to lead an army. Fantasy allows us to more easily read a story without raising the question, consciously or unconsciously, ‘would a girl be doing this?’” - Zaleski
So then maybe Katniss is still a positive role model, because the strength that matters is her internal strength.
Arya Stark however, is a positive role model. She isn't a physically strong character, but her strength comes from her ask questions, and do what she thinks is right. She teaches girls how to be themselves.
Fantasy has provided a strong platform for the image of women to develop, but we still have a long way to go.
For now, writers must take the reigns on this issue - they must play around with character types, and help determine the perfect balance of qualities to create female characters who can act as entirely positive role models for girls.
