Queen mother (Africa)

Queen mother (also Queenmother) is a term used to describe certain female traditional rulers in African cultures. Though there is no general description of a "queen mother", as their roles have varied by society, political context, and culture, ^[1] they generally play an important role in local government and "wield social power and influence."^[2]

They are thus an important part of social, political, and cultural institutions across the African continent: the Akan, for example, recognize them as important local political actors^[3] and often trace inheritance through them in a matrilineal fashion;^[4] whereas in Uganda, the term may be used to describe women who ruled outright.^[5] The amount of power queen mothers currently hold has been diminished since pre-colonial times,^[6] though the 21st century has seen their influence grow in certain contexts.^[7] Many are members of the African Queens and Women Cultural Leaders Network, a voluntary organization.