5 Badass Women Who Fought Against The Nazis

They were brave beyond words

A photograph of Irena Sendler by an unknown photographer, 1942 (Wikimedia Commons)

Throughout history, men have been at the forefront of violent conflicts. The Second World War was no exception. When the Nazis invaded Poland in September 1939, a global struggle ensued, and millions of men lost their lives in combat.

However, there were also plenty of women who were willing to fight against the Nazis. Determined to defeat fascism, they risked their lives for the greater good. And though many people are unfamiliar with these five women, their stories are highly inspirational.

1. Nancy Wake

A photograph of Nancy Wake by an unknown photographer, 1945 (Wikimedia Commons)

Nancy Wake grew up in Australia and later moved to Europe to work as a journalist. She witnessed the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s and was appalled by their racist rhetoric.

When the Nazis invaded France, Nancy helped the Allied troops escape the country by smuggling them across the Spanish border. But the Nazis eventually discovered what she was doing and imprisoned her. Nancy was beaten and interrogated, but she managed to escape with the help of the French Resistance.