I believe this is the correct answer - Chopin’s experiences with the self-reliant women in her family inspired her fiercely independent women characters.
If you read anything by Kate Chopin, such as "The Story of an Hour," you would see that her female characters value their freedom so much, and that they love their independence. They cannot be constrained by others, and even if they are, they will fight for their freedom. All of this stems from Chopin's personal experiences with women around her.