Yes, although few, the women in Star Wars have not been weak characters. Starting with Leia in ANH picking up blasters. She is a Senator and a leader. Padme was Queen then Senator. She did not take a backseat except when in disguise. She decided to return to Naboo and seek the aid of the Gungans to take back their planet. She came up with the plan that they carried out successfully. TFA carries on that nicely with a female lead who I do not for a moment consider a Mary Sue. Plus it includes many other women, something the OT generally lacked. Only Leia and Beru had major screen time and speaking roles (Mon Mothma had one major scene). The newer movies have done better getting close to a balance of gender roles but there is a way to go.