Akan Matriarchy: Historical Insights and Contemporary Challenges

Introduction

The concept of matriarchy is often oversimplified as the direct antithesis of patriarchy. While these terms represent polar ends of a gender power spectrum, most societies exhibit a more complex interplay of gender roles and authority. Rather than rigid binary structures, social organizations typically involve nuanced power-sharing dynamics. African societies, in particular, challenge this simplistic dichotomy, often demonstrating heterarchical systems with multiple centres of influence.

The study of matriarchal legends offers profound insights into the cultural and social dynamics of societies where women hold central roles. These legends, steeped in historical narratives and cultural practices, unveil the intricate ways gender roles are defined and perpetuated in matriarchal settings. A prime example is the Akan people of West Africa. Hailing from the central forest regions of contemporary Ghana and Ivory Coast, the Akan are renowned for their matrilineal lineage system, which offers a profound basis for examining the influence of matriarchal structures on economic, political, and social domains.

Historical Context of the Akan

Scholars are actively researching the historical evolution of the Akan society, specifically looking into the economic and political changes that occurred in early Akan society and the rise of Akan states. It is believed that the beginnings of Akan society emerged due to shifts in production methods, which led to changes in the economy, restructuring of social production relationships, and the emergence of new political systems. During the 15th and 16th centuries, significant social and economic shifts occurred in the Akan forestlands as the region shifted from a hunter-gatherer economy to one centred around growing food crops, resulting in alterations to social structures and the creation of new political systems.

The Akan conceptualize the origins of their society through their myths and histories, which describe the redistribution of peoples into matriclans and the founding of the earliest towns in the Adanse and Amansie region of the central forestlands, which were the first seats of the Akan. Akan histories document the ascent and decline of early Akan states, specifically Asanteman, detailing the challenges and occurrences that contributed to the rise of formidable Akan states. The Akan society's integration into the evolving capitalist economy was shaped by the arrival of the Portuguese at Elmina and the growth of the capitalist global economy, resulting in shifts in the external trade of the Akan and their involvement in the worldwide economy. 

Matriliny and Women's Central Role

In Akan society, lineage and inheritance are traced through the maternal line, positioning women at the core of familial and communal structures. Formal authority within the group typically rests with mothers' brothers, and individuals inherit material resources from these maternal uncles, the matrilineal authority figures, rather than from their fathers. The mother is the foundation of the family, and it is expected that daughters will carry on the family line by having children. This system highlights the important roles women have, not just as lineage bearers, but as powerful figures in economic and political areas.

Historically, Akan women have been crucial contributors to their society, excelling in diverse roles from agriculture and trade to leadership and governance. They have experienced a significant level of financial freedom and equality with men, taking on important economic duties. Heavily engaged in farming and trade, Akan women have been actively involved in family, governmental, and military organizations, having the same legal privileges. Despite their significant contributions to household finances through farming and domestic work, their responsibilities have grown due to the transition to growing cash crops and men working for wages. In spite of these obstacles, Akan women have shown resilience and ingenuity, frequently participating in additional income-generating ventures such as baking and trading.

The matrilineal kinship system is a cornerstone of Akan culture, profoundly shaping the role of women in society. This system grants Akan women significant economic autonomy, as they often serve as the primary producers and managers of household resources. This economic empowerment translates into social and political influence, evident in their ability to hold key leadership positions, including the revered role of "Queen Mother" (Ohemma). The Queen Mother acts as the chief's consultant, managing ceremonies, political choices, and the well-being of women and children, while also upholding the matrilineal kinship structure that forms the basis of chieftaincy. The queen mother is highly knowledgeable and wise in various fields such as religion, law, history, politics, and daily life matters, making her well-suited to advise her chief on any topic.

Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ejisu, represents the strength and leadership skills of Akan women. In 1900, she spearheaded the Ashanti community in a showdown with the British colonial forces in Ghana, solidifying her reputation as a revered figure in Ghanaian history. Her story and actions have been embraced by contemporary feminism to highlight the strength, agency, and resistance of African women, making her a significant figure in the history of feminism in Ghana. She was renowned for her leadership, defiance against British aggression, and her influential role as a queen mother who stood up against British encroachments on the Ashanti people. Her behaviour directly defied the stereotype of Indigenous African women being passive and devoid of empowerment and defiance. Through her actions, she reshaped the way African women are viewed in society, showcasing their strength and abilities, and solidifying her position as a lasting icon of empowerment and resilience.

Although often disregarded by both colonial authorities and contemporary leaders in Ghana, Queen Mothers have continued to play vital roles within their communities The enduring importance of the matrilineal kinship system in Akan culture and the crucial roles women play in shaping their communities are emphasized by their resilience and adaptability. An example worth mentioning is Nana Boakyewa Yiadom I, who successfully mixed traditional beliefs with contemporary methods to encourage empowerment. Throughout her extensive career at the United Nations, Nana Boakyewa Yiadom I showcased the empowerment of women by working with refugee women in Africa and participating in organizations that promote women's advancement globally. Simultaneously, she held the position of queen mother in Adamorobe in Aburi-Akuapem and was given the title "Amanonehemaa," which translates to ambassador. By the early 2000s, she settled a challenging land use conflict and was subsequently installed as the chief, Nana Osei Boakyewa Yiadom II of Admorobe, by 2004.

The Akan as a Counterpoint to Patriarchal Norms

Matriarchal societies, such as the Akan, offer a compelling counterpoint to patriarchal norms, revealing alternative models of gender roles and power dynamics. In these systems, women occupy positions of primary authority and influence, reshaping societal structures and expectations.

Economic Empowerment of Women

The economic empowerment of women lies at the heart of matriarchal societies, as Isife's research delves into the intricate economic framework that underpins these societies. He emphasizes the crucial role that women play in various aspects of the economy, from production to distribution to consumption, showcasing their significant impact on traditional African economies, particularly in agriculture. By shedding light on women's essential contributions to agriculture, which serves as the economic backbone of many traditional African societies, Isife highlights how women's involvement has been pivotal in shaping the economic independence and influence that define these matrilineal systems. Their control over resources, household management, and productive activities not only fosters economic autonomy but also challenges existing power dynamics, paving the way for greater gender equality. Göttner-Abendroth's perspective further reinforces the idea that matriarchies are characterized by economic equilibrium and gender egalitarianism, dispelling the misconception that they are simply reversed versions of patriarchal structures. Women's significant roles in subsistence activities, such as agriculture and market control, are central to the functioning of these societies, leading to increased economic autonomy and influence that empower women as providers and caretakers.

Political Structures and Shared Power Dynamics

Matriarchal systems play a crucial role in shaping political structures, fostering a balanced power dynamic between genders. Akan society serves as a prime example of this, showcasing a distinctive dual-sex political framework. Despite maintaining separate hierarchies for men and women, the Akan culture acknowledges the equal authority of both male and female leaders. The "Obi" symbolizes the male leader of the community, while the "Omu" holds a comparable position as the community's mother figure. This dual leadership system not only ensures the active involvement of women in governance and decision-making processes but also challenges the traditional patriarchal norms that dominate many societies. By empowering women to take on leadership roles, such as the esteemed Queen Mothers, the Akan society showcases the effectiveness of female leadership and contributes to creating a more just and inclusive political environment.

Social Roles and Cultural Significance

Social roles are significantly transformed in matriarchal contexts. Women are revered as pillars of the community, responsible for maintaining social cohesion and cultural heritage. Their roles as mothers, elders, and leaders are deeply woven into the fabric of society, elevating their status and influence. In the Akan society, the matrilineal clan system gives women significant authority and influence within the family, contributing to the shaping of gender norms and expectations. This framework also shapes the expectations surrounding inheritance, as material possessions are passed down through the maternal lineage, underscoring the pivotal role of women in perpetuating the matrilineal family structure. 

Embracing the rich cultural heritage of the Akan society, women showcase their identity with grace and pride by adorning themselves in traditional attire like kaba, duku, and bead ornaments. These elements not only symbolize their cultural roots but also instil a sense of honour, underscoring the importance of upholding age-old traditions. According to Johnson and Quan-Baffour, Akan fashion plays a pivotal role in allowing women to express their cultural identity and heritage, thereby elevating their status within the community. They posit that culture empowers individuals to shape their own narratives, emphasizing how women use cultural practices to define and humanize themselves in society.

Reshaping Masculinity and Promoting Harmony

Interestingly, matriarchal societies also redefine masculinity. In traditional African contexts, matriarchy and patriarchy are seen not as opposing forces but as complementary and interdependent spheres within the same society. This relationship suggests that masculinity and femininity are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary, each essential for maintaining unity and stability. In these societies, men often adopt supportive roles, show respect for female authority, and prioritize cooperative relationships, thereby challenging conventional gender norms. The presence of matriarchy highlights the importance of complementarity in fostering social cohesion. By valuing both masculine and feminine qualities, these societies promote a more harmonious social order where cooperation and mutual respect are fundamental principles. 

Isife emphasizes that matriarchy contributes to unity and stability through this principle of complementarity. He argues that in traditional African societies, matriarchy and patriarchy are not seen as opposites but as interconnected systems that support and reinforce each other. Each system has its distinct sphere of influence, and together they create a balanced framework that promotes social harmony. Understanding traditional African matriarchy sheds light on the difference between ontological and functional equality, suggesting that it operates within the principle of complementarity. This perspective can offer valuable insights into contemporary gender equality discussions, providing an alternative approach to feminism that may resonate particularly with African women facing gender inequality today.

It would be remiss to ignore the complexities and challenges that have emerged in recent times, as the traditional matriarchal structures of the Akan have faced increasing pressure from the encroachment of patriarchal norms. Women in Ghana, including those within the Akan communities, continue to face discrimination and marginalization. Colonialism disrupted established power structures, systematically marginalizing women in public life. The colonial education system reinforced traditional gender roles and perpetuated the exclusion of women from positions of authority. During the colonial period, female leaders were deprived of their authority, and traditional gender roles were reinforced, leading to the alteration of women's roles and functions in the Asante political system. As a result, women were completely cut off from political authority, losing their political power. Despite efforts to achieve gender equality post-independence, deep-rooted patriarchal practices persist, hindering women's full participation. Boateng argues tokenistic female representation in politics has failed to translate into inclusive governance, as the needs and experiences of marginalized women remain underrepresented in policymaking. 

Conclusion

The rich cultural heritage of the Akan provides a compelling framework for envisioning a more equitable future, one where gender norms are redefined, and the resiliency of matriarchal values can be leveraged to empower women and promote societal harmony. Understanding traditional African matriarchy can help appreciate the difference between ontological and functional equality, emphasizing that it operates within the principle of complementarity, which can contribute to contemporary gender equality.