This brave Somali queen fought to establish gender equality in AD 15

By  NDUTA WAWERU

Just like many countries in the world, Somalia is a patriarchal society, where men control the system of society and government. In such a setting, women are limited from accessing many opportunities to establish themselves and are exposed to various levels of violations.

Over the years, many people have been on the forefront trying to establish a society that treats both men and women equally in all sectors. While this has gained momentum in recent years, it traces its roots as far back as AD 15 when Somalia was under Queen Ebla Awad, also known as Araweelo.

Araweelo is believed to have been the daughter of an unknown king who only sired daughters. She was the firstborn and thus, the apparent heir to her father’s kingdom.

However, around the same time, there was an inter-clan feud that cost thousands of lives. Her husband died in the feud and her two children died of starvation.

The young and destitute woman quickly left her husband’s family and went home…

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