The Matriarchs of Africa

Abstract

This chapter discusses African women warriors and leadership in the precolonial African history, the history which has been pushed into the fringes since the intrusion of Western civilisation into African affairs. In precolonial Africa women were not left out in governance as exemplified in the Ancient Nubia, Egypt, Berber, queen mother and women leadership cases. The Benin queen mothers; the Dahomey; the Asante; the Buganda; and the Eswatini queen mothers are discussed as sample presentations on how this arrangement has ensured women involvement in the socio-economic and political affairs of their communities. Sample matriarchal warriors, queens and leaders (Amina, Asentewaa and Nehanda) are discussed to demonstrate women urgency and leadership in precolonial African societies.