The thing is, it isn't really about lack of male protagonists in western cartoons; it's about the lack of action-oriented cartoons aimed at boys and teen nowadays.

Most cartoons nowadays are more geared towards comedy series, and many modern day reboots are about once action cartoons turned heavily towards the less fighting more funny side. (Teen Titans Go, Powepriff Girls reboot, Thundercats Roar.) too name a few good examples.

There's no need for awesome male protagonists because there's really few awesome cartoons in today's years. They may be some, but quite few than 5 or so years ago.

i think its more because of how action cartoons as a whole have kinda fallen out of grace so the whole '' young hero who skips school to save the day'' archetype went along with it.