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Stunning Portraits Of What Female Guerillas Carry In Their Bags

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Photo: Federico Rios

For five decades, Colombia's military and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, an armed guerrilla group better known as the FARC, have been engaged in one of the world's longest-running civil conflicts.

But unlike in many bloody wars across the globe, women have been on the front lines. They're estimated to make up about 30% of the group's fighting force.

"Women do everything, they don't have different roles than men," Colombian documentary photographer Federico Rios told Refinery29. "They are leaders, fighters, dreamers, and FARC members."

Rios spent weeks embedded in the FARC's jungle camps, meeting female commanders and soldiers. His goal was to "photograph the human condition, the daily life."

One result of his work was a series of photos showing what female soldiers carry with them in their bags. In addition to guns, radios, and GPS equipment, Rios found that the women packed everyday necessities and the comforts of home, like perfumes and makeup.

Many of those female guerrillas hope they will soon be able to unpack those belongings for good, as peace talks between the group and the government enter their third year. But negotiations aimed at bringing an end to the conflict that has left more than 220,000 people dead and millions more more displaced have stalled in recent months.

"All FARC members, men and women, hope for the signing of an agreement with the Colombian government soon," Rios said.

Ahead, Rios' powerful photos women fighting in the FARC and the things they carry into combat.

Katherine, 20, Seven Years With FARC

Shoots An AK-223 Norinco

Katherine is the youngest of five brothers, all guerrilla fighters. Katherine’s 9-month-old daughter lives outside the guerrilla camps with her grandmother. Katherine gave birth in a small town through the help of a traditional midwife. She is also nurse and works with the FARC medical team.

Photo: Federico Rios

Katherine's backpack and AK-223 Norinco.

Photo: Federico Rios

Mariana, 24, Five Years With FARC

Shoots An AK-47

Mariana was victim of paramilitary violence in northern Colombia. She joined the FARC shortly after her 20th birthday. She carries cigarettes, but is kept from smoking after dark because of the light they emit.

Photo: Federico Rios

Mariana's backpack and gun.

Photo: Federico Rios

Marcela, 18, Two Years With FARC

Shoots An AK-47

Marcela is indigenous, from the Embera community, and joined the FARC after a paramilitary siege on her territory. She is a radio operator and carries a lot of weight for the troop. In her backpack is a computer, radio, and batteries, alongside shampoo, creams, and perfumes.

Photo: Federico Rios

Marcela's backpack and AK-47 rifle

Photo: Federico Rios

Brenda, 31, 15 Years With FARC

Shoots An R9 Rifle & Five-Seven Pistol

Brenda is a commander with the FARC. She utilizes a rifle and a pistol, known as a cop killer, as well as a computer assigned for intelligence missions. Her boyfriend is also a member of the FARC. She always has space in her backpack for perfumes. Her rank utilizes a GPS with confidential information.

Photo: Federico Rios

Brenda's belongings, including a R9 rifle and a pendant.

Photo: Federico Rios

Glodis, 33, 19 Years With FARC

Shoots An M-15 rifle

Among her possessions, Glodis has glazes, makeup, colored pencils, a radio, and a brush to wash clothes.

Photo: Federico Rios

Glodis' belongings include a brush she uses to wash her clothes.

Photo: Federico Rios

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