YEKAKE WERDWOT
LEGACY

A Fierce Fighter

Werdwot was a fierce fighter for women's rights and emancipation at a time when women were dominated and oppressed by men and society at large. She lived during the reign of Emperor Tewodros about 150 years ago.

She is supposed to be the pioneer of women's rights and emancipation in the world. She was born in the land of the industrious Gurage people, in a place called Muher Akilil from Damo Kake and Ajet Amina.

The era in which Werdwot lived was a dark age for women. Women were dominated by backward traditions and primitive customs, which relegated them to the kitchen and to childbirth. In those days women were not expected to attend school and to take part in public and government administrations.

Her Courageous Stand

She started her struggle right after marrying Agaze Furche the Warlord. After discovering he had married two wives before her, Werdwot decided to divorce him — a radical act that shocked everyone.

At that time, divorce was not allowed for women unless initiated by their husbands. Her decision was revolutionary and marked the beginning of her fight for women's rights.

Raising Consciousness

She travelled from village to village and raised the level of consciousness of women. She rebelled and invited women to rebel against a society that treated them as inferior to men.

Though ostracized by patriarchal society, she was fearless. She organized and armed women with knowledge to fight for gender equality and human rights.