I've been thinking about that post about how Jyn isn't a feminist character or whatever because so much of her story revolves around her relationships to men, and like, I hate to say it, but SO many of Star Wars' women have the same problem that Jyn being singled out for this feels strange.
The "feminism" of a character isn't determined by the relationships around them. Even Bechdel will tell you the Bechdel Test isn't a sure fire way to tell if a film provides a good representation of women. Plenty of misogynistic crap passes the Test while films with female protagonists who have agency would fail.
Jyn is a feminist character because she exists for her own purpose. Of course she's a product of her upbringing and of course she's influenced by the people around her but an honest analysis of the film would include that she impacts the adults that raise her and she influences the people around her as well.
Galen put the flaw in the Death Star for Jyn. His entire reason to keep on living was the hope that Jyn was alive in the universe.
Saw raised her and, when she was at risk of being identified as an Erso, abandoned her for her safety. She is the only partisan to whom he opens himself.
Cassian's development in Rogue One occurs because of his connection to Jyn. She wakes him up and reminds him of why he's fighting - not because he's moved by her victimhood but because he's impressed by her abilities, principles and commitment. He sees his early resistance in her and is motivated to re-engage because of the fire in Jyn.
Bodhi carries a message that Galen is sending to Jyn, thereby changing the trajectory of his life. And then he follows her to Scariff.
Chirrut and Baze follow Jyn to fulfill their development. Chirrut makes a difference with his faith and Baze becomes the warrior that he has been cosplaying on Jedha.
Is she surrounded by men? Yes, and she leads them. She leads them in battle. She leads them to their destiny. And she does it as an active agent, making choices, commanding the troops. She's not a muse or a victim that inspires their manly protection. They don't question her leadership. No one has to be brought around to accepting her leadership; they do it without question. Does Cassian bring the troops together for Scariff. Sure, he's part of the actual Rebellion command. But once the troops come together then Jyn was the undisputed leader of the action.
Jyn is a fighter in the Rebellion. That is the frame in which she acts so ultimately she's going to commit to and fight for the Rebellion. It would be a weird movie if that wasn't her path. (Or, I guess it could be season 2 of Andor, but I digress.)
If you're only argument is 5000 words of how Jyn is surrounded by men and spends the film reacting to men, then you're being intellectually dishonest about the film.



















