Women have been warriors throughout history, shedding their blood and fighting on the frontlines. Historically, warfare has typically been seen as the domain of men, but there have always been exceptions to every rule, including women warriors who defied convention to become champions in their own right. These warriors were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in, even if that meant taking on the lion’s share of the battle and being a hero to their people.
Women warriors possess a fierce spirit that enables them to take up arms when necessary. They don’t give up when they face obstacles or failure, they simply get more determined to make what they envision a reality. They see no task as too big or a mountain of paperwork as too high and they’re willing to work tirelessly until they can achieve their goal. A woman warrior isn’t afraid to get angry when she believes the status quo needs to change and she will use her strength to fight for what she wants.
The recent resurgence in interest in female warriors is largely due to discoveries such as the infamous “Warrior Women” weapons grave in Birka and the popularity of the History Channel’s Vikings. But it’s also because of a growing focus on identity narratives inspired by cultural heritage and a desire for a more fulfilling version of the past than the one offered by mainstream culture. This resurgence has led to a broader acceptance of women as warriors, which in turn has helped revitalize interest in the Agojie, the all-female army that served King Ghezo of Dahomey in the 1840s. The new film The Woman King, starring Viola Davis as Nanisca and Thuso Mbedu as Nawi, depicts the Agojie through dramatic license but it’s an inspiring and empowering portrayal of this all-female fighting force that was instrumental in establishing Dahomey’s pre-eminence over neighboring kingdoms.
Other examples of Warrior Women are Harriet Tubman, who escorted other escaped slaves into northern union states and Canada during the American Civil War; Calamity Jane, the famed frontierswoman and professional scout best known for her claim to be a friend of Wild Bill Hickok; and La Adelita, the Mexican revolutionary who married Francisco I Madero. All of these women warriors have a common thread: they fought for what was important to them, even if that meant facing death or losing the love of their lives. Their lives are a testament to the power of the human spirit and to the fact that no matter what, we can all become warriors when we decide to make it happen.
