# Punk Women Shaped 1970s Movement

> Rare photos reveal women who defined punk's 1970s revolution.
- Title: Punk Women Shaped 1970s Movement · Digital Camera World
- Summary: Rare photos reveal women who defined punk's 1970s revolution. Exhibition celebrates women like Poly Styrene and Siouxsie Sioux as key punk pioneers.
- Keywords: poly styrene, siouxsie sioux, punk movement, museum of youth culture, x-ray spex, the slits, chrissie hynde, rhoda dakar, Digital Camera World
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/photography/galleries-and-exhibitions/punk-wasnt-just-for-boys-rare-photos-and-archives-celebrate-poly-styrene-siouxsie-sioux-and-the-women-who-shaped-the-groundbreaking-1970s-movement
- Published: 2026-11-14T19:10:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: poly styrene, siouxsie sioux, punk movement, museum of youth culture, x-ray spex, the slits, chrissie hynde, rhoda dakar
## Punk's Female Pioneers
Exhibition highlights women who shaped punk's 1970s movement.

> Not as footnotes to punk history, but as some of its defining creative forces
## Poly Styrene's Impact
Poly Styrene, X-Ray Spex's singer, challenged gender norms with her 1977 debut.

> Oh bondage, up yours!
## The Slits' Ari Up
Ari Up of The Slits performed at Beat the Blues festival in London 1980.

> Ari Up with smudged face paint glares over her shoulder
## Chrissie Hynde's Role
Chrissie Hynde sang for The Pretenders with denim waistcoat in 1979.

> Chrissie Hynde sings into a microphone on a dark stage
## Siouxsie Sioux's Presence
Siouxsie Sioux performed live with defiant stage presence in 1977.

> Siouxsie Sioux, in profile with dramatic eye make-up, holds a microphone
## Rhoda Dakar's Contribution
Rhoda Dakar of The Specials appeared backstage at Rock festival 1977.

> Rhoda Dakar wearing a dark belted trench coat
## Key takeaway

Exhibition celebrates women like Poly Styrene and Siouxsie Sioux as key punk pioneers.