Back then, women were only found in the kitchen holding pies and wearing aprons. But not these women—they rolled up their sleeves to hold a gun, swapped their aprons for combat uniforms, and left the kitchen counter to fight for their countries against all odds. Indeed, they proved, then and now, that there’s always more to a woman than what meets the eye.
Mariya Vasilyevna Oktyabrskaya (Soviet Union, 1905–1944)
At the height of World War II, Mariya sold her possessions to buy a T-34 tank that she named “Fighting Girlfriend” and joined the Eastern Front of the Soviet Union against the Nazis. She was initially trained to be an army nurse but was soon promoted to sergeant. She unfortunately died of lethal wounds during a 1944 battle, marking her legacy as one of the strongest women who ever walked the Earth.
Juana Azurduy de Padilla (Bolivia/Argentina, 1780–1862)
She was a guerrilla leader from Chuquisaca (present-day Sucre, Bolivia) in the early 19th century who fought against Spanish royalists for both Bolivian and Argentine independence. She defied the female limitations of her time and led Indigenous fighters alongside her husband—even while pregnant—which earned her the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Despite her efforts, she was not recognized as a heroine until her death in 1862.
Flora Sandes (UK/Serbia, 1876–1956)
Flora Sandes was the only British woman to fight as a soldier in the Royal Serbian Army during World War I. She began her service as a military nurse but soon enlisted as a soldier, which catapulted her onto the battlefield. Promoted to Corporal, she was severely wounded by a grenade during a close encounter with the enemy. Although she couldn’t return to combat due to her injuries, she continued to serve by raising funds to improve soldiers’ comfort. She later married and retired as a Captain before her death in 1956.
Khutulun (Mongol Empire, 1260–1306)
A princess and Genghis Khan’s great-great granddaughter, Khutulun fought alongside her father in wars they always won. Beyond her physical prowess, her father relied on her for political counsel. As an unmatched, headstrong warrior, she refused to marry any man who couldn’t beat her in wrestling—and she remained unconquerable. In modern Mongolian wrestling matches, contenders wear open-chested uniforms to honor Khutulun’s legendary winning streak.
Nancy Wake (Australia/France, 1912–2011)
Nancy Wake accumulated the most decorations as a servicewoman during World War II, earning nicknames like “White Mouse” and “Witch.” She didn’t hold guns or drive tanks, but she worked courageously undercover with the French Resistance, helping Jewish people and their allies escape. Starting her career as a journalist, she firmly believed that in times of war, women could play an active role in winning battles rather than just bidding farewell to their husbands.
Laura Secord (Canada, 1775–1868)
This Canadian heroine demonstrated her bravery by trekking 20 miles into enemy territory to warn British comrades of an impending attack during the War of 1812. Thanks to her patriotism, the British were able to defeat the Americans at Beaver Dams. Although her courageous act went unrecognized for decades, it was eventually honored in 1860 when the Prince of Wales granted her €100.
Ann E. Dunwoody (USA, 1953–Present)
In a male-dominated military, a female general was once a rarity—but Ann Dunwoody proved it was possible. She became the first woman to achieve a four-star officer rank, demonstrating that women can not only command in the kitchen but also on the battlefield.
Marina Raskova (Soviet Union, 1912–1943)
Marina Raskova was the first female pilot in the Russian Air Force during the 1930s. Favored by Joseph Stalin, she was tasked with assembling three squadrons to bomb German forces during World War II. She named these all-female squadrons the “Night Witches,” showcasing her pioneering spirit and determination.
Kittur Chennamma (India, 1778–1829)
Kittur Chennamma is best known for her armed revolt against British colonial rule in 1824, making her one of the first Indian female rulers to do so. She won her initial battle through outstanding skills in sword fighting, archery, and equestrianism. Her courageous efforts have made her a lasting symbol of Indian independence.
Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang (Philippines, 1731–1763)
Known as “Henerala” or female general, Maria Silang became a symbol of resistance against Spanish colonization in the 1760s. Initially fighting alongside her husband, Diego Silang, she took command after his assassination and led a desperate rebel army for independence. Her revolt in her hometown of Santa struck fear into the Spaniards, marking the first time they had to reckon with a Filipina warrior.
Pura Villanueva Kalaw (Philippines, 1886–1953)
Beautiful and patriotic, Pura Kalaw became a pivotal figure in changing the lives of Filipino women. An established journalist, suffragist, and activist, she relentlessly advocated for women’s rights from an early age. Crowned the first “Queen of the Manila Carnival” in 1908—later known as “Miss Philippines”—her advocacy through the “Asociacion Feminista Ilongga” helped pave the way for Filipino women’s right to vote in 1937.
Aleda E. Lutz (USA, 1915–1944)
Aleda, affectionately known as “Lutzy,” was a First Lieutenant who served as a flight nurse during World War II. She provided relief and treatment to injured soldiers while working as a private nurse alongside her sister. Determined to contribute further, she joined the Army’s 12th Air Force as a pilot nurse before a tragic crash ended her life.
Maria Quitéria de Jesus (Brazil, 1792–1853)
In an era when female officers were frowned upon, Maria Quitéria defied expectations by disguising herself as a man to join the Brazilian War of Independence. Fighting under the name “Soldado Medeiros,” she showcased unyielding skill and fortitude in every battle. Though her father eventually exposed her secret, her battlefield prowess prevented her return home—cementing her status as the patron of the Brazilian Army today.
Cathay Williams (USA, 1844–1893)
In a time of discrimination against both people of color and women, Cathay Williams emerged as a heroine. Rising from her beginnings as a cook and dishwasher, she became the first African-American female Buffalo soldier by disguising herself as a man. However, declining health forced her to apply for a pension for disabled military officers. She was denied compensation because a doctor claimed she dressed as a man—a decision that ultimately contributed to her demise.
Joan of Arc (France, 1412–1431)
Revered as a patron saint of France, Joan of Arc is a classic heroine whose courage and martyrdom defined the medieval era. A peasant girl who believed that God had chosen her to lead France against England, she convinced the crown prince Charles of Valois to let her command an army at Orléans—leading them to victory. Despite her remarkable achievements, she was burned at the stake at the age of 19 for being labeled a witch.
