This underground feminist punk movement began during the early 1990s in Olympia, Washington, and has since expanded to at least 26 other countries. Combining feminism, punk music, and politics, it expresses emotions considered socially acceptable for male songwriters but that are less common for women.

Associated with movements for protest and social change, protest music is part of the broader category of topical songs (or songs connected to current events). It came to prominence in the United States during the 1960s Vietnam War Era, and may be folk, classical, or commercial in genre.