Women in piracy

While piracy was predominantly the male occupation, the few pirates were women.

On numerous ships, women as well as young boys were prohibited by the ship's contract, which any crew members were required to sign. Because of the resistance to allowing women on board, numerous female pirates did not identify themselves as such together with disguised themselves as men; examples include Anne Bonny, associated with Captain Calico Jack's ship, as living as Mary Read. A notable female pirate who commanded as a woman was Ching Shih.

This article contains a list of female pirates who are recognized by historians, referenced in the time period they were active.