The Battle of Adwa is rightfully celebrated as a resounding victory against Italian colonial forces. Emperor Menelik II often takes center stage in the retelling, but a deeper dive reveals a story brimming with the crucial, often overlooked contributions of Ethiopian women. While history books frequently focus on male figures in wartime narratives, Adwa's triumph was undeniably shaped by the courage and resilience of women from all walks of life.
Empress Taitu Betul, a figure of immense strategic brilliance, stands out. Her sharp criticism of the Treaty of Wuchale, her counsel to Menelik, and her decisive actions during the conflict are testament to her leadership. She personally led a force of 5,000 infantry and 600 cavalry to secure the Italian army's water supply near Mekelle – a tactical maneuver that significantly weakened the enemy.
But Empress Taitu wasn't alone. Countless women across Ethiopia, particularly in the north, formed the backbone of logistical support for the 100,000-strong army. They tirelessly organized and transported food and water to the front lines, ensuring the soldiers were sustained. They also played a vital role in evacuating children, the elderly, and livestock from the war zone, providing crucial medical aid to the wounded. Their compassion extended even to the enemy, as accounts detail their humane treatment of Italian prisoners of war.
While many individual acts of heroism remain undocumented, powerful stories endure. One account tells of a young bride who, upon her husband's departure for war, refused to stay idle. She joined other women in supplying the army, burying the fallen with dignity, and tending to the injured. Her dedication was recognized with awards and clothing, a testament to her unwavering patriotism.
The victory at Adwa, as historical accounts highlight, was a truly national effort. From local leaders like Dejaz Letegziher providing supplies, to spies like Basha Awalom offering crucial intelligence, to the leadership of Ras Alula and the strategic genius of Empress Taitu, and of course, Emperor Menelik II himself – it was a collective triumph. The ability of Ethiopians to transcend ethnic, linguistic, and religious differences to defeat a colonial power stands as a powerful lesson for today.
As Ethiopia prepares to commemorate the 129th anniversary of the Adwa Victory under the theme "Adwa: The Victory of Black People", it's crucial to remember and celebrate the unsung heroines whose contributions were essential to this monumental victory. Their stories deserve to be moved from the footnotes to the forefront of the narrative.
Source: adopted from the Reporter