Article by Princess Kelelo PM Dhlamini Skade
2025, an essential year to focus on a critical aspect of societal development: the healing of women. For far too long, women have been marginalized, oppressed, and subjected to various forms of violence, leading to deep-seated wounds that hinder their empowerment. It is crucial that we recognize that women’s empowerment is inextricably linked to their healing. Without healing, empowerment efforts will be ineffective, and the status quo of patriarchy will persist. Now, as women we have come to understand that “I Heal to heal Africa”.
Throughout African history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, cultures, and economies. The legendary Queen Njinga of Angola,
A warrior, who possessed extraordinary spiritual powers. She had the ability to communicate with the spirits of her ancestors, seeking guidance and wisdom in times of war and peace. Njinga believed had the power of divination,was able to read the signs and portents of the natural world to predict the future and inform her decisions. Her spiritual powers were feared and respected by her enemies, and revered by her people. Therefore, she fought against the Portuguese colonizers.
How about our fearless Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana,
Queen Asantewaa’s Spiritual Powers , a fearless leader and warrior who had the ability to summon the power of the forest, calling upon the ancient spirits of the land to aid her in battle. Asantewaa also possessed the power of clairvoyance, able to see into the hearts of her enemies and anticipate their plans.She had the power of spiritual healing, was able to channel the energy of the divine to mend the wounds of her people. Queen Asentwaa was the one who led the Ashanti rebellion against British colonial rule, demonstrate that women have always been capable of leading and fighting for their communities.
However, how many times do we hear those stories being appraised?, Many times our sheros are never celebrated yet we continue focusing on masculine energies. In ancient African mythology, female gods like Mawu, the Dahomean goddess of fertility, and Oya, the Yoruba goddess of storms, were for their power, wisdom, and fertility. These goddesses all had the qualities of leadership, nurturing, and protection, demonstrating that women were naturally inclined to lead.
The Rain Queens of the Balobedu people in South Africa, who are believed to possess the power to bring forth rain and fertility, are another example of women’s leadership in Africa. Well yes , we see the rise of masculine threat to such leaderships for there is a greater greed on power to subject women. We continue to forget that these queens played a crucial role in ensuring the fertility of the land and the well-being of their communities.
Zimbabwe’s rich history has stories of women warriors who embodied spiritual power, feminine leadership, and unwavering courage. These women played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s history, resisting colonialism, and preserving traditional values.
One of the most less celebrated woman warrior is Mbuya Nehanda, a powerful spirit medium who led the resistance against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. Nehanda’s spiritual powers were renowned, and she was said to possess the ability to communicate with the ancestors and the gods. She could predict the future, heal the sick, and bring prosperity to her people. Her leadership inspired countless Zimbabweans to fight for their freedom, and her legacy continues to inspire women and girls across the country.
Another less celebrated woman warrior is Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo, a fearless leader who fought against the Ndebele Kingdom’s patriarchal systems and advocated for women’s rights. Lozikeyi was said to possess the power of prophecy, and she could see into the hearts of those around her. She was also a skilled healer, able to cure illnesses and injuries using traditional herbs and rituals.
Then there’s the legendary Queen Mutota, who ruled the Mutapa Empire in the 16th century and was known for her wisdom, diplomacy, and military prowess. Mutota possessed the power of divination, able to read the signs and portents of the natural world to guide her decisions. She was also a powerful rainmaker, able to bring forth life-giving rains to nourish her people’s crops.
Mbuya Chitambo, was another woman warrior, who had the power of shape-shifting, able to transform into various animals and elements to gather information, evade danger, and communicate with the spirits. She was also a skilled spiritual healer, able to cure illnesses and injuries using her knowledge of traditional herbs and rituals.
These women warriors, with their God-given spiritual powers, demonstrate that women can be strong, courageous, and effective leaders without sacrificing their femininity or spiritual essence. They show us that true power comes not from physical strength or aggression, but from spiritual connection, wisdom, and compassion. Their stories serve as a reminder of the critical role women have played in shaping Zimbabwe’s history, and continue to inspire future generations of women leaders.
Despite their natural inclination to lead, women were systematically subjugated to men through patriarchal systems, colonialism, and other forms of oppression. This subjugation led to the erasure of women’s histories, cultures, and contributions, resulting in a profound loss of identity, self-worth, and power.
The consequences of this subjugation are still evident today, with women facing numerous challenges, including gender-based violence, unequal pay, limited access to education and healthcare, and lack of representation in leadership positions. There are even more noticeable through the chaos we see on our continent today
Well perhaps, women we should also stop demonizing our powerful leaders from the pastor and seek to learn from that which enabled them.
Healing women is essential for restoring their original leadership roles and empowering them to drive positive change in their communities. Healing involves addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds inflicted upon women through centuries of oppression.
By prioritizing women’s healing, we can restore their self-worth and identity, empower them to lead, and improve community health and well-being. Women’s healing has a ripple effect, benefiting their families, communities, and societies as a whole.
The restoration of women’s healing is a moral imperative for Africa, as it is essential for the continent’s moral discipline, health, and economic development. By prioritizing women’s healing, Africa can reclaim its moral compass, promote values like compassion, empathy, and justice, and drive economic growth.
Empowered women contribute to the workforce, start businesses, and drive innovation, leading to improved economic outcomes for their families and communities. Women’s healing is also critical for improving health outcomes in Africa, as empowered women are better equipped to care for their families and communities.
2025 must be the year of focusing on healing women. Women’s empowerment is inextricably linked to their healing, and without it, empowerment efforts will be ineffective. By prioritizing women’s healing, we can restore their original leadership roles, empower them to drive positive change, and promote moral discipline, health, and economic development in Africa. To all ye’ women , it us time to stand us and say “I HEAL TO HEAL AFRICA”
