Throughout history, some people and events have had a profound impact that shaped entire nations. One such momentous occasion was the Battle of Adwa, a historic clash between Ethiopia and Italy in 1896. While the exploits of Ethiopian warriors are well-documented, it is time to shed light on the forgotten heroines whose contributions were instrumental in securing this landmark victory.
The Battle of Adwa, a historic conflict between Ethiopia and Italy in 1896, was one such critical incident. Even though Ethiopian troops’ deeds are widely known, it is time to give recognition to the unsung heroes whose contributions made this historic triumph possible.
Emperor Menelik II is the first name that comes to mind when people discuss the well-known Adwa victory. Generally speaking, males are the first patriots that spring to mind when people discuss war and troops wherever in the world. What about women? What function do they serve in times of conflict, and what part did they play in the Adwa battle? In this piece, we explore the bravery, enduring legacy, and little-known facts of the amazing women who were instrumental in the Adwa Victory.
Historically, women have been excluded from political decision-making. Women were not even permitted to vote, much less participate in political decision-making, even in the West. In a similar vein, African women are typically depicted as defenceless and only acknowledged in instances involving suffering rather than bravery.
Nonetheless, there are African women leaders who have demonstrated incredible bravery and leadership. Taitu Betul, the Empress, was one of them; she lived from 1851 to 1918. When compared to Emperor Menelik, Empress Taitu’s contribution to the Adwa Victory is regrettably overlooked despite her significance to Ethiopian history.
Muluken Tadege history –teacher-turned- journalist, told The Ethiopia Herald that there are few things that focus on the contribution of women for the victory against the Italians.
It is said that Empress Taitu had advised and directed her husband, Emperor Menelik, to the right target. She was the first to say no to the Wuchale treaty and advised her husband against it as well. She is said to be the mastermind behind Emperor Menelik’s important decisions.
Women’s contribution during the Battle of Adwa is something that should not be taken lightly, but their contribution is often overlooked. Women from all over Ethiopia, especially in the northern part of the country where the soldiers passed by, had provided food and drinks for thousands of soldiers. Women were the ones who carried food and drinks to the warfront.
“If women had not helped during the battle, it would have been a futile effort to try and defeat the well-armed and well-equipped Italian army,” Muluken said. He explained they were like an engine. Without the supply of food and water, the victory against the colonial power would not have been a reality.
According to historical records, 100,000 soldiers marched northwards to the battleground .Preparing that much food with the materials that were available, took much energy, organization and preparation ahead of time. Muluken noted that till this day the lack of progress in development on many aspects is mostly because in many instances half of humanity is left behind, which are women.
He further said that women contributed in many ways during the Battle of Adwa. First and foremost, they created their own group to guide children, elderly and their cattle to safety so they would not end up going to the war zone. Secondly, they helped people who were wounded during battle; they left no one behind and took the wounded to places where they could get help. Thirdly, in providing food and water they fed the army consisting of more than 100,000 soldiers for about two weeks. And last but not least, Empress Taitu played a key role in the battle. One of the notable things Empress Taitu did was when the Italian army gathered their strength during the battle in Mekelle. The defeat of the colonial power is particularly attributed to Empress Taitu. She had comprised her own army containing 5,000 foot soldiers and 600 cavalry and told them to capture and guard the water source that the Italian army was using. This led to the weakening of the Italian troops. This is just one of the examples of her impeccable strategic leading.
He said that there is a lot that Ethiopians could learn from their own history that could be very significant for the present time. The past plays a huge role in shaping the present and the future. Back in 1896, Ethiopians were able to look beyond ethnicity, language, religion and they were able to defeat a colonial power. All Ethiopians fought tooth and nail and shed their blood for the sake of their country..
“People who are trying to separate us now through hate speech and another means can be stopped by collective force. Ethiopia’s current political agenda has not been like this before. All Ethiopians were united and Ethiopia has always been a sovereign country.”
Though many of the women who contributed to the victory are forgotten, some are remembered by their family. Historical records show that the victory required the participation of a lot of people. Starting from local people like Dejaz Letegziher, who helped with providing food, water, donkeys, directions and information, to spies like Basha Awalom, who contributed with information and misinformation to the enemy and Ras Alula, a leading figure in the army, Etege Taitu, who from the start was suspicious against the Italians and was a key strategist during the battle, to Emperor Menelik II.
It is high time that these forgotten heroines be acknowledged and celebrated for their monumental contributions to the Adwa Victory. Their stories should be included in history textbooks, museums, and public discourse, ensuring that their bravery and sacrifice are never forgotten.
As we commemorate the Battle of Adwa, let us remember that history is not solely shaped by the actions of men. It is a collective effort, with women playing an indispensable role in shaping the course of events. The forgotten heroines of the Adwa Victory embody the strength, resilience, and determination of women throughout history. By honouring their legacy, we pay tribute to the countless women who have shaped our world but whose stories have often been neglected.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024
