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Numerous animal species function in matriarchal systems, such as African elephants. In these herds, the females, led by the eldest matriarch, steer the group with remarkable confidence, skillfully sensing danger and uniting to nurture their offspring. This leadership structure extends to other animals as well, such as bonobos, lemurs, meerkats, and ants.
Just like the African elephant, there are human societies where women take the reins. These women embody strength, loyalty, intelligence, and a powerful sense of empowerment. Here are 10 such societies led by women.
10. Minangkabau
Situated in the islands northeast of Australia, Minangkabau stands as the world's largest matriarchal society. With over four million people, this culture reveres women and, in many ways, elevates them. In contrast to societies where daughters may be seen as a burden, Minangkabau celebrates women. Here, the lineage and family name are passed through the women, and property is inherited from mothers to daughters.
In Minangkabau society, upon marriage, the groom moves into the bride's household. Though it may seem that women hold all the power, both genders contribute equally. Boys, starting at the age of 10, leave their mother’s home to live in men's quarters where they learn skills and religious teachings. Men hold religious and political roles, but their authority is granted by women. While the clan leader is always male, women have a significant say in their appointment and can remove them from office if necessary.
9. Bribri
Located off the coast of South America, the Bribri people are an indigenous group known for their self-sufficiency. They produce all the food, medicine, and construction materials they require. The society is organized into clans formed by extended families. Every member belongs to a clan determined by their maternal lineage, as men do not raise their own children, but instead, care for their sister’s offspring.
Women are the only ones who can inherit land, which ensures sustainable food production. The practice of agroforestry promotes gathering food from natural sources, such as local plants and animals. Women take great pride in leading efforts to provide their families with essential resources.
Women hold the sacred responsibility of preparing drinks for significant religious ceremonies and major life events, such as weddings, funerals, or announcing pregnancies, a role of great honor.
8. Khasi
The Khasi people, one of the last remaining matriarchal societies in India, follow unique traditions. Children inherit their mother's surname, and women are responsible for the family’s livelihood by working in the markets and selling goods, while the men stay home and care for the children. If a husband works, he may even take a job in another city, leading to a divided household but a higher family income.
In marriage, the groom moves into the bride’s parental home and adopts her surname. The youngest daughter in the family is entitled to the largest inheritance, including the family home, but this responsibility also means taking care of the elderly parents. Men receive a smaller inheritance, but if they have sisters, the women will inherit the larger share.
Though the Khasi society has a more balanced approach to sharing responsibilities, women still predominantly hold power. The people follow the laws of India, and many Khasis practice Christianity. In some families, the role of family head is integrated with men, resembling the patriarchal structures seen in Western cultures.
7. Mosuo
The Mosuo people are a small community located in southern China. In their culture, the matriarch of the household has the final say. As with many matriarchal societies, family lineage is passed down through the women. Children are considered part of their mother’s family and live with maternal relatives in a multi-generational home.
The Mosuo follow a unique practice called 'walking marriages,' where couples do not cohabit but spend time together during the night or whenever convenient. While many of these marriages are long-lasting, women have the option to entertain other men if both sides are open to it. Since lineage is determined by the mother, there is no concept of an illegitimate child. As children are always cared for by their mother, fathers play a minor role in their upbringing.
When land is passed down, it follows the maternal lineage. The eldest daughter will succeed her mother as the next matriarch, and even adopted daughters can rise to this role.
6. Nagovisi
On a large tropical island near Indonesia and Australia, the Nagovisi people reside. Much like the Bribri of Costa Rica, food production is central to their way of life, with women taking the lead in managing this vital responsibility.
In matrilineal societies, adult women hold the right to farm the land inherited from their ancestors, and this privilege is passed down to their daughters. While men, including husbands, perform the physically demanding tasks such as clearing the land, tending crops, and gathering harvests, marriage is not a common custom. However, if a man and woman are seen together, share a bed, and he assists her with farming, they are considered married.
5. Akan
The Akan people, residing along the Gulf of Guinea, also practice matrilineality, where women play a central role in their society. Their culture places importance on the mother's lineage, which determines positions of power and influence within both the financial and political spheres.
In Akan culture, men maintain a significant relationship with their sisters' children rather than their own. Though men hold leadership roles, these positions are inherited through the maternal line—by way of mothers, sisters, and daughters. While men are expected to support their female relatives, it is the women who engage freely with all members of the community and care for the well-being of the entire clan.
4. Umoja Usao
Umoja Usao is one of the more recent matrilineal societies, founded in 1990 as a sanctuary for women fleeing abusive relationships, girls escaping forced marriages, and survivors of genital mutilation. Previously, these women were members of the Samburu tribe, where they were treated as their husband's property and held an inferior role in society. Women who were victims of rape were cast out by their husbands, left with no place to go. Umoja Usao provided a safe haven for these women to rebuild their lives.
Many women who fled their violent homes found refuge in Umoja, often bringing their children along, which allowed them to create a peaceful sanctuary. The word 'Umoja' means 'unity' in Swahili, and the people of Umoja work hard to educate others on their rights. To support their community, they run a primary school, craft jewelry, and welcome tourists, which generates income for the village.
While men are prohibited from living in Umoja, they are allowed to visit. The only exception is for men who grew up in the village and are permitted to stay overnight.
3. Hopi
Like several of the previously mentioned groups, certain Native American tribes also follow a matrilineal system, in contrast to the more traditional patrilineal structure.
The Hopi tribe primarily resides in Arizona as an independent nation, governed by its own laws under the Hopi Constitution. Their culture is matrilineal, with family names and lineage passed down through the mother's side. When a child is born, the father's side may suggest names, but only the women from the paternal family are authorized to propose a name. After all the name suggestions are gathered, one is selected. This name could be traditional, English, or a mix of both. As the child matures, they can change their name during important life milestones.
In Hopi society, women are responsible for maintaining the home and raising children, while men oversee agricultural duties and protect the community through warfare.
2. Nubian
The Nubian people have a deep-rooted connection with the Nile River. For centuries, they cultivated the fertile land along the Nile, sustaining their families through agriculture and livestock, thanks to the river's rich soil.
With the construction of dams in the 20th century, many Nubian families lost their homes and were forced to migrate to find new opportunities. While the men left in search of work, the women stayed behind to care for the children, the elderly, and the remaining land they could cultivate. Often, the men did not return, driven away by the harsh conditions of their new laborious or mercenary roles.
Nubian culture is deeply enriched by art, music, storytelling, and historical ties to Egyptian royalty. Though many Nubians have adopted Christianity, their matrilineal society remains strong, characterized by resilient and powerful women who continue to shape their traditions.
1. Meghalaya
The Garo tribe, the second largest group in Meghalaya, India, lives in the hills alongside the Khasi. Much like their Khasi counterparts, the Garos practice a matrilineal system, where property and leadership are passed down from mother to daughter. The youngest daughter typically inherits her mother’s property.
While society is matrilineal, it is not matriarchal. Men hold the authority in governance and property management. The Garo people also believe in gender equality, which is why property is owned by women but managed by men. Marriages are usually arranged, with the husband moving into the wife's home. Interestingly, the marriage can be ended without shame, even if it was arranged.
