Got a Girl Crush On: India’s Gulabi (Pink) Gang

In Uttar Pradesh, one of the poorest and most feudal areas of India, there is a long history of patriarchy, abuse and corruption. Now, an aggressive and outspoken gang of women are fighting the system.

Sampat Pal is the leader of the Gulabi, or ‘Pink’, Gang. This feisty crusader is making headlines with her vigilante tactics; when she isnt attacking police, she is teaching women how to wield the 'lathi’ - a long, wooden staff - to protect themselves against domestic violence. With over 40,000 members, the Gulabi Gang has quickly become a mass movement.

“Why do we have to take the law in our hands? I’ll tell you. The government doesn’t obey its own laws. They’re making fools of everyone. The gang are on a mission to ensure that those born into the lowest caste have an education, avoid child marriages, and earn a decent wage.”

Mahatma Gandhi famously preached non-violence. Sampat Pal says times have changed.

“I salute Gandhi. He was the father of our nation. But my style is different.”