Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a global recognition of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. While the day highlights women’s contributions across the world, it also serves as a call to action for gender equality. However, it is important to remember that Ethiopian women have been leading and fighting for their rights long before the global recognition of this day in 1911. One of the most powerful examples of Ethiopian women’s leadership and resistance is their participation in the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
The Battle of Adwa: A Historical Victory
The Battle of Adwa, fought on March 1, 1896, was a defining moment in Ethiopia’s resistance against Italian colonialism. Under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II, the Ethiopian army successfully defeated the Italian forces who had come to colonize the country. The victory at Adwa not only preserved Ethiopia’s sovereignty but also marked the first major defeat of a European colonial power by an African nation, making it a symbol of resistance for all of Africa.
While the battle is often remembered for the military prowess of Ethiopian men, it is essential to recognize the significant contributions of Ethiopian women—both on the battlefield and in the background—that were integral to this victory. In a country where women’s leadership was often overlooked, the participation of Ethiopian women during the Battle of Adwa showcased their bravery, resilience, and strategic acumen long before the world officially began commemorating International Women’s Day.
Empress Taytu Betul: The Architect of Strategy
At the forefront of Ethiopian women’s leadership during the Battle of Adwa was Empress Taytu Betul, the wife of Emperor Menelik II. Empress Taytu was not only a political figure but also a crucial military strategist. Her role in the battle went beyond the traditional scope of an empress. She was deeply involved in organizing the logistics of the Ethiopian army and was instrumental in bringing together the forces that would stand against the Italians.
One of the most notable actions Empress Taytu took during the battle occurred when the Italian army gathered its strength in Mekelle, a city in northern Ethiopia. The defeat of the colonial power is particularly attributed to Empress Taytu’s impeccable strategic leadership. She organized an army of her own, consisting of 5,000 foot soldiers and 600 cavalry, and gave them the mission of capturing and guarding the water source that the Italian army relied upon. The Italian forces, heavily dependent on this water supply, were severely weakened when the women’s forces seized it, significantly disrupting the enemy’s ability to operate effectively. This action is just one of many that demonstrates Empress Taytu’s brilliant military strategy. By targeting the logistical vulnerability of the Italian forces, she showed that her leadership was not just confined to traditional roles but extended to tactical warfare. Her foresight in such an action played a critical role in weakening the Italians and contributed significantly to the eventual victory at Adwa.
Women Warriors: The Invisible Fighters
The participation of women in the Battle of Adwa was not confined to the political or logistical realm. Many women also fought on the front lines, playing an active role in the defense of Ethiopia. These women, often referred to as the “Fighting Women”, were armed and fought with the same ferocity and courage as their male counterparts. Ethiopian women warriors, including those from the rural highlands, were trained in battle and participated in the fight against the Italian forces.
Though historical records often fail to highlight their names, oral traditions and folklore tell stories of these courageous women, who not only served as soldiers but also as leaders within their communities. Women warriors fought alongside their brothers, husbands, and fathers, taking part in the battle for Ethiopia’s independence. Their participation reflects the deep-rooted cultural understanding that leadership and resistance were not confined to men alone.
Dedjazmach Balcha Safo’s Wife: A Symbol of Sacrifice
One notable example of female leadership during the battle was Dedjazmach Balcha Safo’s wife, who is said to have fought alongside her husband. She demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership during the conflict, illustrating the critical role women played in both leadership and direct action. Dedjazmach Balcha Safo was a prominent Ethiopian military leader who led troops in the Battle of Adwa. His wife, like many other women in Ethiopia at the time, felt the urgency to protect her country and joined the ranks of fighters, taking up arms alongside the men in her family.
Her courage highlights a broader historical truth: Ethiopian women did not wait for permission to fight; they did so out of necessity. Women’s leadership was deeply embedded in Ethiopian society, often expressed through acts of resistance, and their involvement in the Battle of Adwa was a testament to their integral role in Ethiopia’s history. As Minale Adugna points out in his study, women like Balcha Safo’s wife were not merely passive supporters but actively engaged in the battle, contributing significantly to Ethiopia’s victory.
Empress Menen Asrat: A Quiet Strength
While Empress Taytu Betul is often celebrated for her active role in the battle, Empress Menen Asrat, the wife of Emperor Haile Selassie, continued this legacy of leadership after the Battle of Adwa. Though she was not directly involved in the battle itself, Empress Menen’s role in post-Adwa Ethiopian society was pivotal. As Empress, she became a symbol of Ethiopian women’s leadership in the years that followed, using her position to advocate for education, health, and the welfare of women and children.
Her legacy, though less discussed, is a continuation of the leadership that began in the battlefields of Adwa, where women like her predecessors were already laying the foundation for gender equality in Ethiopia. Women like Empress Menen proved that Ethiopian women’s leadership was not a passing phase, but a permanent part of the country’s history.
Ethiopian Women Led Before the World Saw March 8
While the world was still decades away from recognizing International Women’s Day, Ethiopian women had already shown the world what leadership looked like. Their roles in the Battle of Adwa were not mere footnotes in history—they were central to Ethiopia’s victory and sovereignty. Ethiopian women marched to the frontlines before March 8 was ever established as a day to honor women globally. Their leadership not only changed the course of Ethiopian history but also reshaped the narrative of African resistance to colonialism.
Ethiopian women’s participation in the Battle of Adwa serves as a powerful reminder that women have always been leaders. They have always fought for freedom, justice, and equality, often in the face of overwhelming odds. Their march began long before March 8 became a day for women’s recognition—it began in the hills of Adwa, where brave women fought for their country’s future.
On March 8, we reflect on the achievements and struggles of women around the world, but it is important to recognize that Ethiopian women have been leaders and warriors long before the global recognition of this day. The women of Adwa—Empress Taytu Betul, women warriors, and countless others—stood at the vanguard of Ethiopia’s resistance against colonialism, proving that leadership knows no gender. As we honor women on International Women’s Day, we must remember that Ethiopian women have been marching for their rights, their freedom, and their sovereignty for centuries, with the Battle of Adwa as one of their most resounding triumphs.
Ethiopian women marched before the world acknowledged the significance of March 8, and their leadership continues to inspire future generations of women, both in Ethiopia and across the globe.
