Honouring and celebrating the incredible contributions of women throughout African history. These remarkable women have shaped nations, led revolutions, and stood against oppression with unwavering resilience. These queens, warriors, and visionaries broke barriers, defied expectations, and carried their crowns with strength and bravery. Their legacies continue to inspire generations.
This is a tribute to some of Africa’s most phenomenal women HER-Story —may their names and HER-itage echo through time.
Queen Nzinga Mbande (Angola)
Queen Nzinga ruled over the Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms in present-day Angola. For over three decades, she fiercely resisted the Portuguese invasion and the slave trade, leading her armies into battle and mastering the art of diplomacy. Her legacy shines as a symbol of resilience and tenacity.
Queen Aminatu (Nigeria)
Also known as Queen Amina, this warrior queen ruled the Hausa city-state of Zazzau, now Zaria, in present-day Nigeria during the 16th and 17th centuries. Through conquest and strategic trade, Queen Aminatu expanded her kingdom, securing her place as one of Africa’s formidable leaders.
Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo (Zimbabwe):
A warrior queen of the Ndebele people, Queen Lozikeyi became queen regent after the disappearance of King Lobengula in 1893. She is celebrated for her leadership during the 1896 resistance against British colonial invasion and the land dispossession of her people.
Yaa Asantewaa (Ghana)
Known as the “Warrior Queen Mother,” Yaa Asantewaa led the Ashanti rebellion against British colonial rule in 1900. The War of the Golden Stool, also known as the Yaa Asantewaa War of Independence, remains a symbol of courage and defiance.
Queen Nandi (South Africa)
As the mother of Shaka Zulu, founder of the Zulu Empire, Queen Nandi played a pivotal role in shaping his values of leadership, bravery, and loyalty. Her influence is etched in the foundation of one of Africa’s most iconic empires.
Queen Ranavalona I (Madagascar)
Known as the ‘Mad Queen’ by her adversaries and as a powerful ruler by her people, Queen Ranavalona I ruled Madagascar from 1828 to 1861. She fiercely resisted European colonization and protected Malagasy traditions from foreign influence. Her reign was marked by military expansion and strong resistance to French and British intervention.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Nigeria)
A pioneering feminist and activist, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti fought for women’s rights and political representation in Nigeria. She was instrumental in abolishing unfair taxation policies that targeted women and played a key role in Nigeria’s independence movement. Her advocacy laid the foundation for gender equality in Nigeria.
Huda Sha’arawi (Egypt)
A pioneering Egyptian feminist, Huda Sha’arawi is best known for leading the women’s rights movement in Egypt in the early 20th century. She defied societal norms by publicly removing her veil in 1923, sparking a movement for women’s emancipation. She championed education and political participation for women, reshaping gender dynamics in Egypt.
Wangari Maathai (Kenya)
An environmentalist, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, empowering women to lead conservation efforts and fight deforestation. She was a relentless advocate for democracy, human rights, and sustainable development, leaving a lasting impact on environmental activism worldwide.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia)
As Africa’s first elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf broke political barriers as President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She played a crucial role in rebuilding Liberia after years of civil war, promoting peace, and advocating for women’s rights in governance and leadership.
A Legacy of Strength and Inspiration
These phenomenal African women have shaped history through their leadership, courage, and determination. Their stories remind us of the power of resilience and the importance of preserving our HERitage.