What are matriarchies? Five places around the world where women are in charge

The idea of women’s rule may seem alien, but in fact, history is full of examples of matriarchal societies – and some still exist today. We take a look at five for International Women’s Day

In the grasslands of northern Kenya, a small village called Umoja acts as a refuge for women – and only women (Photo: Getty)

Harriet Marsden
© © Independent.co.uk

There is a school of thought that believes human society was originally matriarchal.

From around 1.5 million years ago, women were revered as priestesses and honoured for their ability to bear children. Archaeological evidence, such as ancient Venus statues, seems to support this.