My Village Queens

Since the dawn of time, African women have been the backbones of their families. Many have not only worked in the home, but also outside the home. During slavery, when many of the men were taken away from their villages, the women stepped in and served as warriors to protect their families.

To date, no children's books or movies have been written about them. Women like Madame SuaKoko of Liberia, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, Queen Amina of Nigeria, Queen Nzinga of Angola, and the Dahomey Amazons of Benin. My Village Queens tells the story of a young woman, Mardea Johnson, who pays homage to the amazing women warriors of Africa.

Built upon the backdrop of the five women who raised her—her mum and four aunties—Mardea categorises the impact and influence each of them had upon her life. She attributes her strength and ability to thrive as a strong African woman to the women in her family, her village, and the female warriors that played a role in Africa's freedom.

Come journey with us through a traditional African village using the unique African dolls created by artist Wilma Stryker. We promise that your daughter will see herself in each of these dolls and characters.