If Ladies of Hive is to organize a masquerade ball, of course, I would show up, not in an ordinary attire, but as a prestigious and significant woman. My outfit would be a royal, gold flowing garment, with a beautifully designed and crafted headpiece, elegant accessories, a sword representing her military reputation, and boots. I am Igbo by tribe, but I would dress up as a Northern Nigerian queen, Queen Amina Of Zazzau.
Why queen Amina of zazzu? Queen Amina was a woman who challenged the expectations placed on women in her time. Despite being a princess, who people might have expected to settle down and marry a wealthy prince, she had other interests. She was interested in military affairs, which is unusual for a princess in a society where leadership and warfare were largely associated with men. She challenged the assumption that women should remain in the background while men made important decisions. Following the death of her brother, Karama, Amina became the ruler of Zazzau. As queen, she led military campaigns that expanded her kingdom's territory and strengthened its influence over trade.
History and oral traditions also associate her with the famous defensive walls known as Ganuwar Amina, which means Amina's Walls. These walls are remembered as part of her military legacy and efforts to protect the territories under her control.
I would dress like her because she is an important symbol of female leadership and achievement. She represents courage, determination, and a woman who challenged the expectations placed on her. Dressing like her would be my way of celebrating the strength of women and the accomplishments we can achieve despite the limitations society may place on us simply because we are women. Being a woman should not be a limitation to what we can achieve.
LADY!
**Images are AI generated **
