AWA
Arise Women of Africa.
THE AWA [hour] is now !
Arise Women of Africa.
THE AWA [hour] is now !
African women have long been pillars of resilience, tenacity, and transformative power in both production
and community development across the continent. Historically, they have played central roles in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and family sustenance, often balancing multiple responsibilities with grace and determination. African women have been at the forefront of grassroots movements, advocating for social change, education, and healthcare. Their leadership in community development initiatives fosters empowerment, breaks cycles of poverty, and strengthens social cohesion.
By leveraging local knowledge, cultural practices, and innovative solutions, African women continue to shape the future of their societies, proving that their influence extends far beyond the domestic sphere. Their work is not just about survival, but about fostering long-term sustainable growth, making African women indispensable to the continent’s overall development and progress.
Queen Nzinga (Angola)
Reign: 1624–1663
Legacy: Queen Nzinga of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms is renowned for her military strategy, political acumen, and resistance against Portuguese colonial forces. She led her people in a prolonged war against the Portuguese in the 17th century, fiercely defending her kingdoms and their sovereignty. Nzinga is often remembered for her diplomacy, intelligence, and unwavering determination to protect her people from exploitation.
Idia (Benin)
Reign: 16th century
Legacy: Queen Idia, the mother of the famous Benin King Esigie, was instrumental in securing the throne for her son. She is credited with using her wisdom and military acumen to strengthen the Benin Empire, particularly in defending against enemies. She also became a symbol of power and was immortalized in Benin art, with her life and legacy embodying strength, intelligence, and devotion to her kingdom.
Queen Makeda (Sheba) (Ethiopia)
Reign: Circa 10th century BCE
Legacy: Known as the Queen of Sheba, she is believed to have ruled over the Kingdom of Saba, which spanned modern-day Ethiopia and Yemen. According to legend, she visited King Solomon in Jerusalem, and their union produced a son, Menelik I, who would go on to become the first emperor of Ethiopia. Her reign symbolized wealth, wisdom, and the integration of trade and
diplomacy in ancient Africa.
Yaa Asantewaa (Ghana)
Reign: Late 19th century
Legacy: Queen Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti Empire is one of the most celebrated African heroines. She led the Ashanti warriors in the War of the Golden Stool against the British in 1900, fiercely defending the sacred stool, a symbol of Ashanti unity and strength. Her leadership is a
symbol of courage and resilience in the face of colonial invasion.
Amina of Zazzau (Nigeria)
Reign: 16th century
Legacy: Queen Amina was a warrior queen of the Hausa city-state of Zazzau (modern-day Zaria, Nigeria). Known for her military prowess, she expanded her kingdom’s territory and established strong defense structures. Her leadership helped consolidate the region’s political and military power, and she is remembered as a fearless and capable ruler who protected her people and
enriched their culture.
Mbuya Nehanda
Reign: 1840 – 1902
Legacy: Mbuya Nehanda was one of the most revered and powerful spiritual and political leaders in Zimbabwe’s history, known for her role in the First Chimurenga (1896-1897), the rebellion against British colonial rule. A spirit medium of the Rozvi people, Nehanda was considered the embodiment of the ancestral spirit of Nehanda, and her leadership combined both spiritual authority and political strategy.
