Queen Amina: The Real Strength In A Woman

Contrary to the belief that leadership in Africa has patriarchal roots, Queen Amina of Zaria negates the belief. Amina Mohamud was born in 1533 and died in 1610. She was the daughter of a ruler, Barkwa Turuntu. Her brother took over the throne after the demise of her father but he reigned for only 10years before he died.

During the reign of her brother, she trained to be a warrior and gained great respect because of her skills and because of this she became the queen at the demise of her brother. Queen Amina of Zazzau was a somewhat controversial woman who did not get married rather took slave husbands from villages she conquered but executed them afterwards.

She has become a legend and a symbol of strength, a great warrior and great leader who through her conquests, rule and power made other regions pay homage to her.

Recently the BBC made a video to tell her story. View the video below.