Ndabaga: The Masked Warrior Heroine
Learn about the brave Ndabaga, a young girl who went to war by pretending she was a boy.
Digital illustration of Ndabaga by Odile UweraRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Who was Ndabaga
Born around 1700, Ndabaga, daughter to Nyamutezi was a single child, famous for her bravery in defying traditional gender roles by replacing her father on the the battlefield, an act that was done by males only.
Young Dancers initiationOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Military organization
According to the military organization, the recruitment was done on the basis of lineage. Every man was called upon to defend their country and serve in the King's army until old age, only earning a peaceful retirement upon being replaced by their son.
Digital illustration of Ndabaga by Odile UweraRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
How it started
Ndabaga had no brothers or uncles so her father’s fate was to die a warrior in the king’s service. She started practicing and spent her adolescent days learning how to fight so she could make her father proud. Soon she fought better than any other boy of her age in her village.
D Day
Bound by societal expectations but not by spirit, Ndabaga embarked on a remarkable journey. Concealing her femininity, she honed her skills in statecraft, military strategy, and warfare, proving her mettle in realms traditionally reserved for men.
How the secret was revealed
Ndabaga drew the King’s attention and was promoted as a leader of her peers.
However, jealous whispers shadowed Ndabaga's triumph. Why did she shun warrior baths and private dress? Her peers started to suspect she was a girl in disguise.
A contest to prove her gender identity
The King heard the rumors, and asked Ndabaga to prove her gender in a fighting contest. She won at every contest.
She explained why she had to disguised herself. She never met her father, who was now old and tired in service of the kingdom, because he had no son to redeem him.
Parliament leaders by Parliament of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Ndabaga the queen, an inspiration to girls
Realizing how exceptional she was, the King rewarded her father by retiring him.
He took her as his wife but also changed the rules that made free those fathers without sons.
Ndabaga proved that women are as able as men, that girls can excel in whatever area if they want to.
Content development: Chantal Umuhoza
Illustrator: Odile Uwera
