Kushite Women's Rights
Unlike other civilizations, women played an important role in the ancient Kushite empire. They worked long hard hours farming, laboring, and even in royalty. Women were more active in the Kushite empire. In Egypt, they mainly worked in the home, caring for children, cleaning, and cooking. The most worshipped god was male, and women were not respected as single rulers. In Kush, the most worshipped god was Isis, the goddess of magic and youth. The Kushites belived that Isis was the mother of all gods, goddesses, and queens, and the Cult of Isis was the most important religion. Queens were also respected more in Kush. The most famous queen was Queen Shanakhdaketo. She was one the main women's rights supporters in Kush, and convinced the empire, through her successful rule, that women could reign a country with good results. Queens in Kush were also named Kandake. This means mother of the nation. When it came through English, it was changed to Candace. In Kush, pharaohs were also able to pass their powers tothe queen and expand their reign. An example of the expand of power is Queen Amanirenas. She was threatened on many occasions by the Romans, and demanded on attacks to their empire. The Kandake also requested that she go on the quests, in which she lost an eye. Kandake Amanirenas was known as the One-Eyed Kandake for many generations. Because the queens were so successful, other women could apply for positions in the governement, like district and royal governors. The Kushites believed that Isis gave birth to all women, therefore giving them her power as well.