Upholding the Bonobo Principle
BY SARIA DEEK
Though humans are still grappling with how to combat sexual violence, bonobos have had an answer for decades. In fact, as surprising as it may seem, bonobos have the incredible ability to form “girl gangs” when a male is being particularly aggressive. Regardless of whether these females know each other, they instinctively coalesce to protect one another. Even more surprising is how effective these gangs are; they can completely reverse the typical bonobo gender dynamic and chase away unwanted males.
A bonobo “girl gang” keeping close together to stay safe.
While biologically fascinating, this phenomenon has done more than just keep the troop safe. It inspired Diane Rosenfeld, the founding Director of the Gender Violence program at Harvard Law School, to found the Bonobo Sisterhood Alliance. Rosenfeld noticed a lack of inclusivity and safety in modern human society, and wanted humans to lean into their natural roots, like bonobos. She founded a self-defense training organization, designed for both campuses and larger communities, in hopes that women could protect one another and form their own “girl gangs.” She writes, “The Bonobo Sisterhood Alliance began with a simple, radical idea: we can protect one another—and in doing so, change everything.”
And it seems that purpose is already being fulfilled. The BSA has directly impacted countless women across the globe; some of whom are encouraged to speak up by the BSA. For instance, Amanda Nguyen, founder and CEO of Rise, dedicated the inspiration for her company to the BSA. This 2022 TIME Woman of the Year and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee has shared that Rosenfeld’s work creates “a sisterhood to whom I owe my justice, success, and healing today.” Nguyen “draws strength from Diane’s model of collective self‑defense” and reveals the importance of organizations like the BSA.
Like Nguyen, countless women have begun turning to the BSA for a sense of empowerment and security. This support has come in many forms, such as donations or deeper involvement with the organization, but more recently has taken on new form. The BSA recently launched an initiative for women across the globe to share their own “bonobo story.” This story does not need to be a life-changing moment or extraordinary feat, but rather a simple story that contributes to a larger “girl gang.” Rosenfeld hopes to compile these stories into a shared memoir; that way, the permanence of the Bonobo Sisterhood Alliance can uplift generations to come.
