PAN AFRICAN BLISS-GREAT FEMALE FIGURES OF AFRICA (KONGO KINGDOM)

The history and leading role of women in the liberation of Africa have not been given enough attention.

In part, that’s due to traditional and cultural attitudes that have demoted women to the kitchen and assigned them the role of mere caregivers.

But this is to warp history profoundly.As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we take a dive into the history of the immense Kongo Kingdom, and trace the supreme role of two women - Queen Nzinga and Kimpa Vita.

They were not only brave, but leaders in their own right, spearheading their communities’ fight against foreign domination - in this case, by the Portuguese.