Our Story
Agoodjié: A Fongbe word consisting of two parts: AGO means to make way on a path; to open a passage, and DJIÉ: the one who keeps watch and assures protection.
AGOODJIÉ: She who watches over the kingdom and the occupier of the throne.
A murmur of thunder can be heard just over the horizon. It is the spirit of the Agoodjié awakening. Better known as the women of Black Sparta, these African Amazons have returned to capture our imaginations. More than mere movie icons, these women were real. As an elite corps of warrior fighters, they were the embodiment of the Divine Feminine as Warrior. The legendary Agoodjié were living, breathing beings also known as Minos, “Our Mothers” who were the most respected and feared women in the world. We offer you a uniquely immersive opportunity to learn who they really were, and how you can become a member of the Imperial Corps Agoodjié of the African Diaspora [ICAAD].
The highly select group of guards, were popularized by the only “woman king” of Danxome, Her Majesty Tassie Hangbè 1716-1718 to protect herself from the men who wished to overthrow her. Since then, all Danxomean kings used these glorious soldiers to expand, and protect the Kingdom.
Queen Regent Tassie Hangbe founder of the fearless female warriors
A unique leadership and training opportunity presented by Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother of the African Diaspora Sêmévo 1st Dr. Dòwòti Désir of the, Royal Palace of the African Diaspora in collaboration with Her Royal Majesty Menon Zognidi of the Royal Palace of Abomey; and in association with renown historian Dah Toussaint Ahomagnon, organizer of the 2018 Rally of Amazones. The initiative makes for an unforgettable immersive experience in West Africa. Part heritage tourism, part pilgrimage, the ICAAD experience transforms women of African descent seeking to join the ranks of the venerated Agoodjié into honorary members of this historically distinct army.
The Imperial Corps Agoodjié is organized in light of the theme of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent 2015 – 2024, Recognition, Justice, Development. The formation of the Imperial Corps Agoodjié of the African Diaspora is a part of a larger and more extensive reconciliation process needed between Africans and Africans in the Diaspora.
While women of African descent aren’t always struggling, we are confronted with very real intersectional challenges in our societies that make us feel like we are at war. Whether we are frustrated by the nature of patriarchy, the pressures of establishing self agency, or the insecurity that results from climate change, we need to be prepared and be able to apply our collective power towards meeting the provocations of day-to-day life with the strength of an army. The ICAAD experience instills a sense of discipline and solidarity that the intense camaraderie nurtures.
With a change in mindset, one filled with clarity, strategic invincibility, and determination, we become the disciples of meaningful personal and social change. Understanding why the Agoodjié were created, how they functioned in the Kingdom of Danxome, and what lessons they have to teach us as women in contemporary society are critical to this process.
The programme consists of two independent and related parts, with separate payment structures. The online course may be taken without the 5-day pilgrimage. All those going to Bénin for hands on training are strongly encouraged to participate in the 9-session prep course. A discount for the classes will be provided for those doing both. Contact us for the brochure and schedule.
The Female African Warriors [Audio]