In the 1600s, as European empires expanded into Africa, Queen Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba emerged as a powerful force of resistance. Born around 1583 in present-day Angola, Njinga was a skilled diplomat, military leader, and master strategist who defied both colonial power and patriarchal norms.
After negotiating with the Portuguese in 1622 and famously asserting her dignity by sitting on a servant’s back when no chair was offered, Njinga became queen in 1624. She faced fierce opposition but seized the neighboring kingdom of Matamba, built a diverse army, and restructured society to unify her rule.
From alliances with the Dutch to disrupting the slave trade, Njinga outmaneuvered colonial forces for over 40 years. She led battles on horseback, often dressed as a man, and ruled until her death in 1663 at around 80 years old.
Her legacy endures as a symbol of African resilience, female leadership, and the fight against oppression. Queen Njinga didn’t just rule—she redefined power.