The Kurdish Female Fighters, Kurdistan. This group of totally wild women are currently fighting in Kurdistan, Iran, and other war-torn parts of the Middle East against ISIS. The groups are doing it in retaliation of the genocide the terrorist group has done against their people. The YPJ, as they’re known, have become one of the most feared forces in the war - and many artists are inspired by them as a result of their bravery.
Gun Molls, America/Russia/UK/Italy/Mexico. Gun moll culture is one that is 100% unique to women, and it dates back to the times of 1930’s bootlegging crime culture. More specifically, it’s women who date crime bosses. Al Capone’s girlfriends were gun molls, for example. Gun molls still exist, but in most cases, the ones that make news headlines are the ones who are involved with drug cartel owners.
FEMEN, Europe/Russia. Technically, this is actually an organization, but it has turned into a subculture. Their extreme protests have brought to light many social issues that most governments won’t touch. Many women who join these get arrested - and some even are beaten or jailed for life. It takes a lot of guts to actually risk all that for a cause, don’t you think?
80s Punks, USSR. Being a punk during Communist Russia was not the same as being a punk in the U.S. In Russia, showing interest in Western culture could get you arrested or even killed. Women who were punks in Russia during the 80s had to smuggle in jeans, leather coats, and more… just to express who they were!
Bosozoku, Japan. Bosozoku gangs are groups of bikers who flaunt their unique style through highly modified motorcycles and cars. Girls who belong to this subculture are all about loud machinery, disrupting traffic, and rebelling against the very strict social order of Japan. This culture involved both men and women, and all of them are generally seen as delinquent in Japan. Basically, this is Japan’s version of “Rebel Without A Cause,” and it looks incredible.
Riot Grrrls, US/UK/France. Riot grrrls, in the 90s, were punk rock’s way of promoting feminism and equal rights. Part grunge, part punk, and part attitude, riot grrrls were known for pulling amazing stunts that helped bring forward a number of feminist issues. And, they also are experiencing a resurgence.
Teddy Girls, United Kingdom. In the 1950s, if you were tough and a juvenile delinquent boy, you were a Teddy Boy. But, what about girls? Well, a select few had decided to become female Teddy Girls. These ladies rejected regular cultural norms, cross dressed, and were known for being tough as nails.
Female Bodybuilders, Global. Bodybuilding is a primarily male sport, so the subculture of women who participate often have to deal with a lot of discrimination. Despite the derision, they bring themselves to peak physical condition…and are stronger than most of the men they’ll meet.
Female Nomads, Kyrgyzstan. Though most parts of Kyrgyzstan and the surrounding areas are no longer nomadic, there are many women who still practice traditional arts associated with the nomadic lifestyle in this area. In fact, this country hosts the World Nomad Games, where women pit themselves against one another in totally impressive stunts. Categories include horseback wrestling, eagle hunting, and shooting bows and arrows with your feet!
Kung Fu Nuns, Nepal. This pinup model is striking a kung fu pose, much like the kung fu fighting nuns of Nepal have been doing. A very unusual subculture of Daoists, the feminist nuns of Nepal recently have done a 500-mile bike trek to raise awareness of human trafficking and spread peace to this area of the world. Unlike the model here, they wear bright orange - and keep their heads shaved.
Chicanas, USA/Mexico. Chicanas are women who have Mexican parents but live in the U.S. Their subculture is known for bringing forth a new wave of feminism among very traditional groups. Some are gangsters, some are entrepreneurs, and even more are highly successful regardless of their field. That being said, they definitely have their own unique flair that regularly comes up in pinup culture.
Sukeban, Japan. Much like Bosozoku, the Sukeban girls were known for being delinquent in nature. But, unlike the Bosozoku subculture, Sukeban is girls-only. And, it’s a subculture that’s all about female gangs. Messing with a Sukeban girl in the 1970s could easily spell getting beaten to a bloody pulp, or worse.
Female Gangs, America. In the US, police are now dealing with a lot of gangs that are made up solely of women. What’s striking about this is that they are often considered to be more vicious and more dangerous than male gangs. While we can’t condone their activities, we have to respect the fact that they’re outdoing men at it.
The Women Of The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa. These women look like they’re tough, because they ARE tough. Since 2013, this group of women has been working hard to fight poachers attacking elephants. Almost all of the Black Mambas are women, and yes, all of them are trained in combat!
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