The Female Warrior Queens Of Africa.

Introduction

You might have heard about knights in shining armor and epic battles.  You probably must have also read of prominent African kings who are famous for putting the continent on the map for their prowess. Kings like Ramesses II also known as Rameses the Great,  Sidiata Keita Of Mali,  Menelik II of Ethiopia, and Shaka Zulu of South Africa had great influence in their time and withstood the colonialists who had invaded Africa at the time. 

But have you read about the fearless women who stood strong and led armies to victory in the vast and diverse continent of Africa? Have you heard of their conquests and victories in battles with the colonialists and their many efforts to uphold the honor of the African cultural heritage and values?  

I am about to dive into their incredible stories and trust me, you're in for a real treat.

Africa's history would not be complete without the stories of these unsung heroines. Their history is a  treasure trove that depicts courage, wisdom, and valor. These warrior queens weren't just fierce on the battlefield; they were also remarkable leaders, visionaries, and symbols of resilience.  This changes tremendously the notion that the ancient African woman was a pushover woman who had no mind of her own and whose existence began and ended in the kitchen. These women irrespective of being in an age dominated by men and gender bias could not be subdued or limited by traditions and cultures.  

So, why should you be excited about this article? It takes us through a journey of time and showcases the many sacrifices that were made by women who today are unsung and unknown so we can have the freedom we now enjoy. 

Their tales will inspire you, no matter where you come from, how old you are, or what your gender is. They are tales that empower women of all ages and backgrounds. The stories tell us that within us as individuals is a treasure house of strength that we can explore to bring the changes we need not just to our lives but also to the lives of others around us.  

The journey into time unveils women like  Queen Amina of Zazzau who was a brilliant military strategist and ruler of Zazzau which is called Zaria today, and Queen Nzinga, who fought brilliantly against the Portuguese colonizers in Ndongo and Matamba fighting for freedom of her people. There is also the great Ghanaian Queen Yaa Asantewaa, the Ashanti Empire's indomitable leader during the Ashanti-British War who was relentless in her quest to put the Ashanti empire on the continent's map and succeeded. 

There is more… 

You will be introduced to the Rain Queens and their extraordinary traditions.  I bet you never knew they existed.  I will also be telling stories about Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar who was known for her fierce policies.  I will be telling the story of 

Queen Amanirenas, the valiant defender of Kush against the mighty Roman dynasty. 

You'll discover how these queens left an indelible mark on history, showing us that bravery knows no gender. 

So, do secure your armor because we're about to set sail on a voyage through history, bravery, and inspiration. 

Get ready to be wowed, inspired, and educated, all while having a blast! Now, let's dive into the incredible lives and legacies of these Warrior Queens of Africa.

Enjoy the ride!!!! 

                    

Queen Amina of Zazzau – The Fearless Warrior Princess 

Once upon a time, in the heart of Africa, was an ancient city called Zazzau Emirate.  This city was located in the northern region of Nigeria and was founded by the great King Gunguma. 

In the palace of this kingdom lived a girl called Amina. Amina was the daughter of King Nikatau, who was the 22nd Emir of Zazzau Emirate, and Queen Bakwa Turunku. Amina's mother was also gifted in the area of political strategizing. 

Zazzau was a prosperous city.  It was also feared by all because of its formidable warriors.  

Amina's Parents saw their daughter's zeal and enthusiasm to become a warrior.  Her father knew she was not content to sit in the palace like the other women and girls did sharing gossip and cooking recipes.  She wasn't content to be another pretty face within the palace walls. 

The Adventure Commences

Amina had a spirit that was as wild as the savannah,  a heart that was as strong as a lioness, and a mind that was as sharp as a sharpened blade.  

He saw the excitement in her eyes anytime she saw the warriors train with swords in their hands. He heard her silent cries to be included in those training sessions.  From a young age, she wanted to showcase her fighting skills on the training ground. She wanted to fight alongside the warriors of Zazzau.

 She was bold, fearless, relentless, and skilled in planning a war. Her Father also knew she secretly desired to lead the warriors to battle. 

No,  Amina was not an ordinary princess. She was a princess who had a desire to win great wars and battles and to further dominate the region.  

The Beginning Of A Legend 

Amina's desires were brought to reality when she was allowed to train with the warriors. These abilities were further enhanced on the training grounds within the palace of King Nikatau. Her Mother Queen Bakwa, recognizing her political strategizing skills,  made her part of a member of a male-dominated committee of special advisers who made political decisions in Zazzau.  Amina was barely sixteen years old when she was chosen to serve on this committee.  

Amina trained tirelessly.  She was taught the art of warfare. She learned to win a war with strategies and planning and so learned to use her leadership skills. Her Father, King Nikatau, recognized her incredible skills and seeing her tremendous progress; despite her being a girl, made her the leader of the cavalry.

One day, a neighboring kingdom faced the Zazzau army on the battleground. They were shocked to see a young girl at the helm of affairs of the Zazzau's calvary.   

They laughed at the irony of it all.  A young girl wielding a sword to fight against male warriors who were fierce and skilled in warfare. 

The war would be won. They thought. It would be a piece of cake. 

Amina knew her day had come.  She had the opportunity to put to use all she had been taught. She also had her strategies mapped out in her mind. She would make her father proud. And this she did. 

Amina,  with her army of fierce warriors,  outsmarted and outmaneuvered the invaders. They defeated them swiftly. 

The legend of Amina's bravery was established from that day on.  She and her army became a formidable force and her fame spread far and wide. 

When King Nikitau died,  her brother Prince Karami took his rightful position as Emir.  Amina stood by his side, leading her famous cavalry and bringing home tremendous victories from the battlefield. 

Not long after King Karami died the reign of Zazzau Emirate fell on the shoulders of Amina. She ascended the throne as Queen of the Emirate taking her place at the head of the Kingdom putting to full use all that she had learnt over the years. 

Her Victories And Contributions 

Amina, via her victories on the field of battle, took possession of many regions around her.  She subdued kingdoms in the then-northern region from Nupe to Kwarafa. 

 Amina wasn't just a warrior; she was also a visionary. The trade routes she paved helped to enhance trade between Zazzau, the cities she conquered that now belonged to her, and other regions and cities within the northern area of Nigeria and beyond it. She encouraged the cultivation of kola nuts and these became a huge source of income for Zazzau and the northern regions. She was given tributes by many conquered kings. She is said to have changed the name of  Zazzau into its current name Zaria which was the name of her younger sister. 

Overwhelmed with the task of protecting her people and her kingdom from future invasions which was common at the time,  she embarked on a monumental project creating the Great Wall of Zazzau which is also known as the Amina's Wall. It stretched for miles and stood as a symbol of her determination and leadership.  

It surrounded all of the towns she possessed and some of her symbolic walls still stand in parts of Hausa land even to date.  

Her Legacies As A Queen 

Amina's reign was a shining example of bravery, wisdom, and valor. Her people loved her and her enemies feared her. She was not only a warrior but also a protector and a builder. Amina's legacy lives on, not only in the stories told around campfires, in the classroom, or in documentaries and movies made in her honor but also in the hearts of young girls who dream of being fearless leaders. 

Her tale reminds us that with courage and determination, anyone can rise above expectations and become a hero in their own right. It also edifies the essence of hard work and tenaciousness.

Queen Amina died childless at the age of Seventy-seven in Agarafa which is today's Idah. 

A statue sculptured with her on a horse wielding a sword stands in front of the National Theater in Lagos, Nigeria honouring her contributions to Nigerian history  and also to that of

You might have heard about knights in shining armor and epic battles. You probably must have also read of prominent African kings who are famous for putting the continent on the map for their prowess. Kings like Ramesses II also known as Rameses the Great, Sidiata Keita Of Mali, Menelik II of Ethiopia, and Shaka Zulu of South Africa had great influence in their time and withstood the colonialists who had invaded Africa at the time.

But have you read about the fearless women who stood strong and led armies to victory in the vast and diverse continent of Africa? Have you heard of their conquests and victories in battles with the colonialists and their many efforts to uphold the honor of the African cultural heritage and values?

I am about to dive into their incredible stories and trust me, you're in for a real treat.

Africa's history would not be complete without the stories of these unsung heroines. Their history is a treasure trove that depicts courage, wisdom, and valor. These warrior queens weren't just fierce on the battlefield; they were also remarkable leaders, visionaries, and symbols of resilience. This changes tremendously the notion that the ancient African woman was a pushover woman who had no mind of her own and whose existence began and ended in the kitchen. These women irrespective of being in an age dominated by men and gender bias could not be subdued or limited by traditions and cultures.

So, why should you be excited about this eBook?

This eBook takes us through a journey of time and showcases the many sacrifices that were made by women who today are unsung and unknown so we can have the freedom we now enjoy.

Their tales will inspire you, no matter where you come from, how old you are, or what your gender is. They are tales that empower women of all ages and backgrounds. The stories tell us that within us as individuals is a treasure house of strength that we can explore to bring the changes we need not just to our lives but also to the lives of others around us.

The journey into time unveils women like Queen Amina of Zazzau who was a brilliant military strategist and ruler of Zazzau which is called Zaria today, and Queen Nzinga, who fought brilliantly against the Portuguese colonizers in Ndongo and Matamba fighting for freedom of her people. There is also the great Ghanaian Queen Yaa Asantewaa, the Ashanti Empire's indomitable leader during the Ashanti-British War who was relentless in her quest to put the Ashanti empire on the continent's map and succeeded.

There is more…

You will be introduced to the Rain Queens and their extraordinary traditions. I bet you never knew they existed. I will also be telling stories about Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar who was known for her fierce policies. I will be telling the story of Queen Amanirenas, the valiant defender of Kush against the mighty Roman dynasty.

You'll discover how these queens left an indelible mark on history, showing us that bravery knows no gender.

So, do secure your armor because we're about to set sail on a voyage through history, bravery, and inspiration.

Get ready to be wowed, inspired, and educated, all while having a blast! Now, let's dive into the incredible lives and legacies of these Warrior Queens of Africa.

Enjoy the ride!!!!

Queen Amina of Zazzau – The Fearless Warrior Princess

Once upon a time, in the heart of Africa, was an ancient city called Zazzau Emirate. This city was located in the northern region of Nigeria and was founded by the great King Gunguma.

In the palace of this kingdom lived a girl called Amina. Amina was the daughter of King Nikatau, who was the 22nd Emir of Zazzau Emirate, and Queen Bakwa Turunku. Amina's mother was also gifted in the area of political strategizing.

Zazzau was a prosperous city. It was also feared by all because of its formidable warriors.

Amina's Parents saw their daughter's zeal and enthusiasm to become a warrior. Her father knew she was not content to sit in the palace like the other women and girls did sharing gossip and cooking recipes. She wasn't content to be another pretty face within the palace walls.

The Adventure Commences

Amina had a spirit that was as wild as the savannah, a heart that was as strong as a lioness, and a mind that was as sharp as a sharpened blade.

He saw the excitement in her eyes anytime she saw the warriors train with swords in their hands. He heard her silent cries to be included in those training sessions. From a young age, she wanted to showcase her fighting skills on the training ground. She wanted to fight alongside the warriors of Zazzau.

She was bold, fearless, relentless, and skilled in planning a war. Her Father also knew she secretly desired to lead the warriors to battle.

No, Amina was not an ordinary princess. She was a princess who had a desire to win great wars and battles and to further dominate the region.

The Beginning Of A Legend

Amina's desires were brought to reality when she was allowed to train with the warriors. These abilities were further enhanced on the training grounds within the palace of King Nikatau. Her Mother Queen Bakwa, recognizing her political strategizing skills, made her part of a member of a male-dominated committee of special advisers who made political decisions in Zazzau. Amina was barely sixteen years old when she was chosen to serve on this committee.

Amina trained tirelessly. She was taught the art of warfare. She learned to win a war with strategies and planning and so learned to use her leadership skills. Her Father, King Nikatau, recognized her incredible skills and seeing her tremendous progress; despite her being a girl, made her the leader of the cavalry.

One day, a neighboring kingdom faced the Zazzau army on the battleground. They were shocked to see a young girl at the helm of affairs of the Zazzau's calvary.

They laughed at the irony of it all. A young girl wielding a sword to fight against male warriors who were fierce and skilled in warfare.

The war would be won. They thought. It would be a piece of cake.

Amina knew her day had come. She had the opportunity to put to use all she had been taught. She also had her strategies mapped out in her mind. She would make her father proud. And this she did.

Amina, with her army of fierce warriors, outsmarted and outmaneuvered the invaders. They defeated them swiftly.

The legend of Amina's bravery was established from that day on. She and her army became a formidable force and her fame spread far and wide.

When King Nikitau died, her brother Prince Karami took his rightful position as Emir. Amina stood by his side, leading her famous cavalry and bringing home tremendous victories from the battlefield.

Not long after King Karami died the reign of Zazzau Emirate fell on the shoulders of Amina. She ascended the throne as Queen of the Emirate taking her place at the head of the Kingdom putting to full use all that she had learnt over the years.

Her Victories And Contributions

Amina, via her victories on the field of battle, took possession of many regions around her. She subdued kingdoms in the then-northern region from Nupe to Kwarafa.

Amina wasn't just a warrior; she was also a visionary. The trade routes she paved helped to enhance trade between Zazzau, the cities she conquered that now belonged to her, and other regions and cities within the northern area of Nigeria and beyond it. She encouraged the cultivation of kola nuts and these became a huge source of income for Zazzau and the northern regions. She was given tributes by many conquered kings. She is said to have changed the name of Zazzau into its current name Zaria which was the name of her younger sister.

Overwhelmed with the task of protecting her people and her kingdom from future invasions which was common at the time, she embarked on a monumental project creating the Great Wall of Zazzau which is also known as the Amina's Wall Itt stretched for miles and stood as a symbol of her determination and leadership.

It surrounded all of the towns she possessed and some of her symbolic walls still stand in parts of Hausa land even to date.

Her Legacies As A Queen

Amina's reign was a shining example of bravery, wisdom, and valor. Her people loved her and her enemies feared her. She was not only a warrior but also a protector and a builder. Amina's legacy lives on, not only in the stories told around campfires, in classroom,m or in documentaries and movies made in her honor but also in the hearts of young girls who dream of being fearless leaders.

Her tale reminds us that with courage and determination, anyone can rise above expectations and become a hero in their own right. It also edifies the essence of hard work and tenaciousness.

Queen Amina died childless at the age of Seventy-seven in Agarafa which is today's Idah.

A statue sculptured with her on a horse wielding a sword stands in front of the National Theater in Lagos, Nigeria honoring her contributions to Nigerian history and also to that of Africa.

Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba – The Unyielding Queen

In the kingdom of Ndongo of West Africa ,which is our present day Angol , lived a prominent king called King Mbande.  He had a concubine called Kengela Ka Nkomba, who he loved more than any other woman. She was greatly esteemed by the King and treated like a wife instead of as a concubine.  She gave birth to a beautiful daughter who they both named Njinga. 

Despite being the daughter of a concubine,  Njinga was loved immensely by her father from an early agebyf the circumstances surrounding her birth. 

The Chronicles of Nzinga

The story is told that Njinga was born with her umbilical cord tied around  her neck. In the ancient times,  this was viewed traditionally as a sign that she had been chosen for a profound destiny.  

Her presence was no threat to her brothers. She was not expected to attain the throne. First, she was only a girl.  Secondly, she was only the daughter of a concubine. Her mother wasn't married to the king so her daughter has no stake in rulership. 

However,  King Mabande cherished Njinga and lavished his attention on her.  She attended council meetings with her father learning leadership skills that she used to establish her kingdom when she eventually became Queen. 

Her father asked that she be trained alongside the boys to fight like a warrior.  Njinga did not let him down. She showed fierceness and fighting skills that were formidable. 

Nzinga was extremely clever even at a young age and this made her father love her even more.  She  observed her father closely and learned the intricacies of diplomacy, warfare, and governance at meeting she attended with him. 

Her father was king at a time when the Portuguese were trying to expand their influence in Africa. They used religion as their reason for being on the rich vast lands but their true intent was to dominate the terriorities and become lords over the it's inhabitants. They had started establishing colonies and trade posts. The Portuguese made slaves of many Africans in the region.

 This also  happened in Ndongo where Njinga lived. She saw the pains and strains  in her people's eyes and the conflicts they had to face as strangers invaded their lands trying to possess their heritages. They had to withstand the Portuguese as well as other enemies, one of which was their rival, the Imbangala.  The Imbangala was a formidable nomadic society of warriors who joined the Portuguese to fight Ndongo. Their intent was to claim Ndongo's territories. 

Njinga's father struggled to keep his house together but apart from Imbangala, there were other factors that fought against his efforts. Treachery amongst prominent cabinet members were some of these factors. This was actually  the cause of the untimely death of Mbande a Ngola.  He was ambushed and brutally murdered by his own men. 

Ngola Mbande,  Njinga biological brother went on a political rampage killing quickly all his brothers and heads of the cabinets that would oppose him. He went further to kill Njinga's infant son and sterilized his sisters in order to stop them from bearing sons that would oppose his rule in the future. 

After taking his place as King,  Ngola Mbande began his wars against the Portuegues.  The Portuguese were adamant in their quest to possess Ndongo. The increased violence expanding quickly their slave trades and markets. 

Njinga was estranged and living in the kingdom of Matamba at the time of Ngola Mabande's succession to the throne. Ngola Mabande, seeing that a new governor of Portuguese had been appointed in Luanda,  the then Portuegues capital of Ndongo,  decided to use another tactics to suppress the pressing efforts of the colonialists. 

He appointed his sister as ambassador in Lusanda.  Njinga took up the appointment and putting away her anger and rage,  she took up the appointment. She knew it was her opportunity to attain her height and to make Ndongo a strong force than the Portuguese had ever seen or anticipated. 

She played her ambassadorial role well.  She never allowed the Portuguese to intimidate her or make her feel so inferior she would succumb to their whims. She made sure they understood clearly that she was not a slave but an equal. 

As annoying as her negotiating methods seemed,  the Portuguese tried to be diplomatic with Njinga. At one time she agreed to be baptised as a Christian to signify that Ngola Mabande wanted peace but would not be paying tribute because he was a sovereign king and not a conquered  king  and a slave on his throne. The Portuguese had no choice but to accept her terms and conditions. She was so indispensable that her brother depended on her at every turn to give him advice on policies to be carried out in the land. He couldn't make decisions or take a step without consulting Njinga. 

The Reign Of An Amazon 

After Ngola Mbande died,  Njinga became 

Queen in his stead. The Portuguese refused to recognise Njinga as the supreme leader of Ndongo. Knowing her skills as a political strategist would put her far above them, they tried to unseat her. 

She caused a full rebellion. She and her people went to war against the Portuguese.  She didn't sit in the palace strategising her war plans while her troops fought in the battle field. Njinga walked in front of her troops at the war front giving orders and fighting Portuguese soldiers like a true General.  

She frustrated the Portuguese at every turn, especially their slave trades and markets. She freed  a lot of slaves providing them shelter and bring them under her protection when they joined her troops. 

The slave trade in Ndongo stopped during the reign of Njinga.  Despite the Portuguese weaponry that was more sophisticated than the spears and swords the Ndongo relied on,  Njinga stirred her troops to keep on fighting. 

She was bested at certain points on the war front by the fierceness and tenancity of the Porteguese but she tactically used her military strategising skills to outwit them. 

She married a powerful Imbangala war lord and with that alliance,  she was better positioned to give Ndongo the freedom they sought. As wife of Kasanje,  she learnt the rituals and ways of the Imbangala and rose to become a prominent leader of the Imbangala ranks. She owned her oar camp and eventually used this influence to invade Matamba.  She conquered it, establishing herself as queen.  

As queen of Matamba,  she joined forces with the Dutch who had also come to Africa to possess the lands. The Dutch and Portuguese were at loggerhead at the time and she used this to her full advantage. 

When her alliances with the Dutch came to an end,  she made other plans. This time she used Christianity as a tool to fight the colonialists. She convinced the Pope of Rome to establish her as a bonafide Christian ruler.  She built a church in Matamba.  She performed Christian rituals,  making Christianity the official religion of Ndongo and Matamba.  

Her efforts paved ways to forr desires. She successfully made Ndongo a free independent nation free of the Portuguese and their influence. 

The Queen Who Never Surrendered

Nzinga's story is a testament to resilience. Even in the face of adversity, she refused to surrender.  Her determination and leadership were awe-inspiring, and she remained a symbol of hope for her people.

Legacy of Strength

Queen Nzinga's legacy is not just a story of bravery; it's a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, a determined heart can shape history. Her tale has inspired generations to stand strong in the face of oppression and fight for their freedom.

Join Us on the Adventure

The adventures of Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba have only scratched the surface of the rich history of African warrior queens. 

Get ready for more inspiring stories, history, and unforgettable heroines! Stay tuned as we continue our journey through the extraordinary lives of these Warrior Queens of Africa. 

               

Queen Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti Empire – The Lioness of Ashanti

Introduction

We ransack another treasure box and unravel an unwavering tale of courage.  I take us on a journey to the Gold Coast of the ancient Ashanti Empire of West Africa which we know today as Ghana where another woman broke protocols and accomplished feats only men known to do. 

Yaa Asantewaa was fearless and relentless in her quest. She is the true Amazon who via her persistence borough the British Colonialism in Ashanti Empire to a standstill.  She fought for what she believed and gained prominence causing the profound change that was needed. That, my friend,  is bravery personified.  This is her captivating story. 

The Beginning Of Yaa Asanteewa

The land of Ashanti was a prosperous empire known for its beautiful river sides and vast gold mines. Situated in West Africa and known in present times as Ghana, it was a land filled with prosperity,  it also had the most skilled warriors ever known.  

It's king at the time was Osei Tutu, leader vast in the administrative and military governance of his region. Gold was  in abundance in the territories.  It was so common that even the poor used it as adornment for their clothes and possessions. 

It was during the reign of Osei Tutu that the legend of the Golden Stool began.  The Golden was no ordinary stool. It was said to have fallen on the lap of Osei Tutu signify his right to the throne. Every successive king would need to possess the Golden Stool as proof of the divine backing of the gods on his ascenvion.  The Golden Stool was a sacred emblem of power and the people of Ashanti honoured its existence. 

The Ashanti Kingdom was so rich and influential that they went into business with the French,  the British and the Dutch. In exchange for slaves, which they sold in high volumes, they received firearms and other qualitative goods that were rare in the region.  

Things eventually fell apart when the British decided to colonise the Ashanti Empire seeing its vast wealth and influences. The Ashanti people fought 

vigorously to maintain its stance but the British conquered them, unsitting it's king and positioning itself as colonial masters over Ashanti Empire. 

Queen Yaa Asantewaa Roars In The Face Of Adversity

Yaa Asantewaa was born into a family of warriors, and from a young age, she displayed qualities of leadership and determination. 

Yaa Asantewaa was also  a skilled farmer. After her brother, Nana Akwasi Afrane Okpase became King, he appointed her as Queen mother and gate keeper of the Golden stool, a revered symbol of the Ashanti. 

As the Queen Mother, she was the king's adviser and protector of his interest. She also served as his mother. As custodian of the Golden stool,  she was the mouthpiece  of the gods and an intermediate between them and the inhabitants of Ashanti Empire. 

After the death of her brother,  Yaa Asantewaa took over as regent of her region Ejisu-Juaben district of the Asante Empire. At this time the British had defeated the then king of Ashanti,  Prempeh 1 who had fought valiantly to keep the British out of his lands. He told them clearly that the Ashanti did not need their protection or sovereignty. His statement and disregard of the regency of the Queen and Britain led to a war where Ashanti was defeated and the king and prominent members of his government were exiled to Seychelles. 

The then British  governor general ordered for the Golden Stool,  the symbol of the Ashanti Empire. It was their pride and joy.  The Golden Stool was an heritage passed to father to child as they ascended the throne. It was also regarded as a deity,  consulted by the high priest when matter arose concerning governance. It was the heartbeat of the Empire and the British wanted it because they understood it's significance and essence. Any one who possessed the Golden Stool held supremacy over the Ashanti Empire. 

At a secret meeting that night by the remaining members of Prempeh 1 cabinet, an argument ensued. The meeting's agenda was to make plans on how to bring the king back from exile. Some members wanted the Golden Stool to be handed to the British. 

Yaa Asantewaa was angered by this suggestion. She stood boldly and made the speech that brought her into prominence in Ashanti. 

" Now,  I have seen that some of you fear to go forward to fight for our king. If it were the brave days of Osei Tutu,  Okomfor Anokye and Opoku Ware 1, eight chiefs would not sit down to see their king taken without firing a shot.  

No white man could have dared to speak to the chief of Asante in the way the governor spoke to you chiefs this morning. Is it true that the bravery of Asante is no more?  I cannot believe it.  It can not be. I must say this:  if you the men of Asante will not go forward then we will.  I will call on my fellow women.  We will fight the white men. We will fight till the last of us fall on the battlefield ". 

Her determination and bravery got the attention and support of the regional chiefs of Ashanti Empire and she was made a war lord over the military force. She led a valiant troop of fighters that comprised both men and women.  

Her words rallied her people for a fierce resistance. Fighting for freedom for several months, Yaa Asantewaa led the Ashanti forces in a determined struggle against the British. 

Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, their spirit remained unbroken

The battle that is known in history  as the War Of the Golden Stool or the Yaa Asantewaa War was lost by the Ashanti. She and her troop fought valiantly but were overcome by the British. 

Yaa Asantewaa and fifteen faithful  allies within her cabinet were captured and exiled to the Seychelles.  She died three years before King Prempeh 1 was released. He returned back to Ashanti bringing back the remains of Yaa Asantewaa and giving her an honorable burial in the land she fought and died for. 

Ashanti which we know today as Ghana  finally received their independence not long after. 

The Legacy of Queen Yaa Asanteewa

Queen Yaa Asantewaa's legacy is one of unwavering courage. She showed that leadership knows no gender and that even in the most challenging circumstances, one person's determination, irrespective of his or her  gender ,can inspire an entire nation to fight for their freedom.

In Conclusion

These stories tell us that no matter what we face in our lives we can overcome them. Yaa Asanteewaa was not moved by the number of white men that withstood her troops. She wasn't intimidated by their weapons or warring skills. She was determined to fight for what she believed. She wanted freedom for Ashanti. Their land would not be possessed by strangers and they would not be slaves on their grounds. Her resolves paid off.  She fought for her beliefs and even though she didn't live to see it materialised, she will always be remembered in history as one of the fearless queen warriors that fought for the freedom of Africans.