She is intelligent, never gives up on people despite how they look and
gets her reward at the end

Basically, this girl is full of flaws ( which I addressed in my article series called The Vices of The Disney Princesses), and yet she surmounts her flaws by sacrificing her life to enter the army in her father's stead. As well as being a risky move, joining the army helps Mulan overcome her bad habits ( not being punctual, being lazy, not pushing herself, etc). By the time Mulan does have to face a formidable enemy, she is prepared to do so. During the course of the movie, we watch an awkward, flawed, poor role model, become a poised, clever, and brave woman who learns where her own "worth" truly lies.

And, best of all, Mulan is not mean or prickly to other characters who are trying to help her meet her dream of self -improvement. Mulan is not judgmental like Belle was at the beginning of B & the B. Nor is Mulan like Tiana who is consistently, self-righteously comparing herself to others, and passing judgement on them.

Sure, at the beginning she has her (gaping) flaws -- she is self-righteous, has a hard time understanding others, and is obsessed with her goal to the point of neglecting every other aspect of her life -- but she grows to overcome them and ends up managing a good balance between her relationships and her ambitions. Her daily hustle to save up for what she wants is pretty relatable, and I think her story is the best at driving home the lesson that as much as you feel you have to improve others, there's always room for you to grow as well -- that's a message a lot of DP movies before then weren't really getting across. And i don't think little kids are too young for any of these lessons.

Objectively I think so, though I have someone else as my personal role model. she's wise, strong, intelligent, does her best, knows when to accept help and when to do it herself, remains kind and patient, doesn't seek revenge or have a spiteful bone in her body. she's very inspiring and how much she endures while never showing her anger to her abusers is very impressive.

Well, since the question says young girls, I'd pick either Belle or Walt's princesses. The others work better for teenagers and young adults than they do for children.

I mean, I don't think they would be able to understand Mulan's angst (except, perhaps, transgender children) or sacrifice; Ariel, Jasmine and Merida are too rebellious, and at this age it is usually best if kids listen to their parents; they can't wander in unknown territory like Rapunzel, either. Anna is downright stupid, Pocahontas is... kinda just there, and the problem with Elsa is the same as Mulan's; besides, she is sort of bland, imo.

Belle encourages reading and imagination. Aurora is courteous and practices some kind of physical activity. Cinderella holds on to her dreams and is grateful towards those who help her. Snow White is optimistic and helpful. Besides, there are their morals: , "Don't take food from strangers", "Be patient and kind", "Love will save the day" and "Inner beauty is more important than outer beauty".

Although I guess Gus has a point about Belle or the Classic DPs being better role models for little kids, I think Tiana is the best role model in general, and my opinion is that little kids should learn to have a good work ethic early in life (as well as the message that a balance between work and play is most important).

^Oh, yes, I completely forgot about Tiana when typing my comment... and I'm really fond of her. I think you have a good point, Maisie.

She is brave, intelligent, creative, and TRIES to obedient. She has flaws but she makes up for them

They're all good role models in their own way. I think it's hard to choose a best one. Probably Tiana because of her work ethic, also Belle because of her ability to not judge people the moment she meets them.

Definitely! My next pick would be Mulan, Pocahontas or Jasmine.

I don't think fictional characters need to be role models.

Tiana is the safest role model and the easiest for a little girl to interpret in a real life situation.

She and Cinderella are tied for my best DP role model, but I'll vote for Snow since she's not getting as many votes.

For young girls, definitely Cinderella. Tiana, Mulan, and Belle (the top 3 on this poll) are more likely to be role models for older girls.