Italian photographer Chantal Pinzi’s photography project Shred the Patriarchy sheds light on the rebellious spirit of female skateboarders, particularly those from Morocco and rural India. The project challenges gender norms and highlights how skateboarding is becoming a tool of empowerment for young girls in male-dominated societies.
Pinzi, a documentary photographer, embarked on this project to showcase the power of skateboarding in transforming lives. The initiative captures stories of young women who have embraced skateboarding as an act of defiance against traditional societal restrictions.
One of the most prominent figures in the project is Asha Gond, a young skateboarder from Janwaar, Madhya Pradesh. Coming from a small tribal village, Asha has defied stereotypes and made her mark in the sport. She was the only female skater from India to compete in the World Skateboarding Championship and has inspired many girls to take up skateboarding. Her journey was also a major inspiration for Netflix’s 2021 film Skater Girl.
Skateboarding as a Tool for Empowerment
The project highlights how skateboarding is not just a sport but a means of social change. For many girls featured in Shred the Patriarchy, skateboarding represents:
Freedom and independence: In societies where girls are often restricted in their movements, skateboarding allows them to reclaim public spaces.
Confidence and identity: By mastering a physically challenging sport, these young women build self-esteem and a strong sense of identity.
Breaking gender barriers: Skateboarding is typically seen as a male-dominated sport, but these young girls are proving that they belong in the world of extreme sports.
Community and solidarity: The skateboarding community provides a supportive space where girls can encourage and uplift one another.
International Recognition
The impact of Shred the Patriarchy has been widely recognized. The project was a finalist in the Sport category of the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards, one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world. The exhibition featuring Pinzi’s work will be held at Somerset House, London, from April 17 to May 5, 2025.
The Future of Women’s Skateboarding in India
The growing popularity of skateboarding among girls in India signals a shift in cultural attitudes. More initiatives are emerging, such as:
Skateboarding NGOs and grassroots projects: Organizations like Janwaar Castle and Girls Skate India are creating spaces where young girls can learn and practice skateboarding.
International collaborations: The increasing global attention on female skateboarders from India might lead to better sponsorship and participation in international competitions.
Policy and infrastructure changes: With more visibility, there could be greater demand for skate parks and training facilities for female skaters.
Chantal Pinzi’s Shred the Patriarchy is more than just a photography project—it is a powerful statement about gender equality and empowerment. Through her lens, the world is witnessing how young female skateboarders are breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to be a girl in conservative societies. Their courage and determination serve as an inspiration for a new generation of women who refuse to be confined by traditional roles.