Have you ever stopped and thought about what the world would look like if women were in charge?
The answer isn’t just hypothetical—there are thriving matriarchal societies around the globe that provide fascinating glimpses into this possibility. In these communities, women take the lead in relationships, decision-making, leadership, and well-being, offering unique insights into gender power dynamics and alternative social structures.
From spiritual healing to communal care, these cultures showcase unique approaches to physical, emotional, and societal wellness that can inspire us all. Let’s dive into their fascinating stories and practices.
Mosuo Women
In the mountains of southwestern China, the Mosuo people—numbering around 40,000—embrace a matriarchal way of life. Women are the heads of households, wealth, property, and family traditions are passed from mother to daughter across generations.
The Mosuo have a unique practice called “Walking Marriage,” where romantic partnerships are free of economic or social obligations and continue only as long as both parties desire. Their spiritual practices, rooted in animism and Tibetan Buddhism, include traditional midwifery and holistic healing approaches. Shamans, seen as spiritual intermediaries, perform rituals and prayers to address both physical and spiritual ailments, highlighting the deep connection between women and their community’s well-being.
Mosuo women also traditionally hold knowledge of herbal medicine and natural healing practices, often passed down through generations. This knowledge is essential in maintaining the health of the family and community.
Mosuo culture is primarily agrarian, with work based on farming tasks such as raising livestock (yak, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry) and growing crops, including grains and potatoes. The people are largely self-sufficient in diet, raising enough for their daily needs. Meat is an important part of their diet and, since they lack refrigeration, is preserved through salting or smoking.
They produce a local alcoholic beverage made from grain, called sulima, which is similar to strong wine. Sulima is drunk regularly and usually offered to guests and at ceremonies and festivals.
Studies on the Mosuo women of China reveal that their matriarchal lifestyle is linked to lower blood pressure and reduced levels of inflammation compared to women in patriarchal societies, highlighting the potential health benefits of female-led communities.
Bribri
In Costa Rica, the Bribri people uphold a matrilineal society where women are the custodians of land, tradition, and culture. While men have roles in the community, ultimate decision-making power lies with women.
Cacao, both economically significant and spiritually revered, is exclusively handled by women. Mothers and grandmothers also serve as healers, preparing herbal remedies and caring for the sick. Community members rally around those in need, blending traditional medicine with collective support. The healing process often involves ritualistic prayers, incense, songs, and the use of medicinal plants. A shaman may also perform a cleansing ceremony to rid the individual of negative energies or spiritual entities.
Through their leadership, Bribri women ensure that their heritage is preserved for generations to come.
Umoja
Founded in 1990 by Rebecca Lolosoli in northern Kenya, Umoja is a sanctuary for women escaping abuse and forced marriages. This community embodies female empowerment, offering its residents healing and emotional support through spiritual guidance and herbal medicine.
Umoja women have achieved significant milestones, including educating children, prohibiting early marriages and mutilation, and advocating for gender equality across neighboring tribes. Their commitment to spreading awareness ensures that their message of equality resonates far beyond their borders.
Minangkabau
The Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia, are the world’s largest matrilineal society. Here, women inherit property and play a central role in maintaining family stability. They are seen as mediators and tradition-keepers, guiding the education and well-being of future generations.
Their traditional medicine, or “obat tradisional Minangkabau”, combines herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and cultural beliefs to maintain health and treat various ailments.
Although women dominate family and cultural affairs, men also contribute to governance and religious leadership, reflecting a harmonious balance between genders.
Akan
The Akan people of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo place the eldest woman of the clan, known as the Clan Mother, at the heart of their society. She serves as a spiritual leader, mediator, and symbol of the clan’s connection to their deity.
Economically, Akan women wield significant influence, particularly through their roles as Queen Mothers (Ohemma). These women maintain autonomy in trade, especially in crops like yams, cocoa, and palm oil, reinforcing their societal importance.
Herbalists use a variety of plants, herbs and roots to treat illness and believe that spiritual healing is crucial in restoring health.
Traditional Healers often use spiritual tools like cowrie shells, bones, or other ritual objects to interpret the causes of illness. This helps determine whether the illness is of physical or spiritual origin.
Some common ailments treated through Akan traditional medicine include malaria, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, wounds, and spiritual distress. For certain conditions, therapies may include herbal baths, poultices, massages, or the use of sacred water.
Yams are the staple food crop in the Akan economy, but plantains and taro also are important; cocoa and palm oil are major commercial resources.
Eticoga
On Orango Island in Guinea-Bissau, the Eticoga community operates under the leadership of a Queen. She is the ultimate authority, responsible for maintaining cultural balance and serving as a spiritual leader. Women choose their partners and manage their household’s stability and economy, ensuring their traditions endure.
Queens also act as spiritual healers, drawing on ancestral knowledge to guide their people through sacred ceremonies and rituals. This deep connection to their heritage helps preserve both the physical and spiritual health of their community.
The healing practices of the Queens of Orango are often tied to their connection to the spirit world and ancestors. These practices are considered sacred and are passed down from generation to generation. They play a vital role in preserving the health and well-being of the community.
What can we learn?
These matriarchal societies challenge conventional notions of power and leadership, showcasing alternative ways of organizing communities. They highlight the diversity of human culture and broaden our understanding of gender roles, demonstrating that balance and harmony are possible when women are empowered to lead. By learning from these inspiring examples, we can reimagine what an equitable and inclusive world might look like.
