Africa, the mother continent, has a proud and fascinating history of diverse cultures, stretching back thousands of years. This rich tapestry has been greatly obscured by the horrors of colonization.
But before, during and after, many remarkable leaders shined through. Several African Kingdoms highly valued the contributions of women and had remarkable numbers of female leaders. The legendary Queen of Sheba, who is credited with founding the Ethiopian Empire; a Yoruba Queen who made the ultimate sacrifice to save here people; A proud Queen of Angola who would not bow to foreign invaders, and a brave Asante Queen mother, who led her people into battle. Let’s meet 10 inspiring African Queens from history.
Queens Presented
- Queen Makeda of Sheba (10th Century BCE)
- Queen Amanirenas of Kush (1st Century BCE)
- Queen Moremi Ajasoro of Ile-Ife (12th Century)
- Queen Mother Idia of Benin (c. 1483– 1550)
- Queen Amina of Zaria (1533 – 1610)
- Queen Nzinga of Ndongo & Matamba (1583 – 1663)
- Queen Nandi of Zulu (c 1760 – 1827)
- Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar (1778 – 1861)
- Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti (1840 – 1921)
- Empress Zawditu of Ethiopia (1876 – 1930)
