Worldwide Guide to Women in Leadership
Heads of State of
Yemen/Al-Jamhuria Al-Yeman Yemen was part of the Osman Empire 1872-1918 when it became an
independent Monarchy, 1962 it became a republic and in 1967 the North and South
was divided into two states who fought a civil war until the reunification in
1990
Also see Yemen Ministers
B.C. ca. 950 Queen Bilkis
of Sabha
Until 1074/87 Co-Ruler
Sultana Asma
She was married to Sultan Ali al-Sulahi, who entrusted much of the management of the realm to her. But it is still not clear if she died in 1074 or 1087.
Until Ca. 1137 De-facto
Ruler Sultana Arwa Sadyyidah
She was married to Al-Aukram of the Sulavhid Dynasty,
married
the prince Al-Mukarram in 1065; they had four children. When Al-Mukarram became
Sultan he virtually handed over power to his wife. An able ruler, she
suppressed the constant tribal disputes of the country, revenged the murder of
her father-in-law 'Ali al-Sulaihi, and then devoted herself to building up
agriculture and trade, lowering prices and supervising tax collection. Her
husband died in 1091, and Arwa position was threatened, but after severe
fighting she agreed to marry his successor Saba, although they did not live
together. She continued to rule, and her court was a center of education and
scholarship. She died in Jiblah, the new capital she had developed in the
fertile plains replacing the old military stronghold of San'a, and her death
heralded the end of Sulaihid power in the region. She lived (1052-1137)
Before 1360 Regent Al Udar al-Karimah Shihaab ad Din Salaah of
Yemen
In charge of the government during the absence of her son, Sultan Sayf
al-Islam al-Mujahid ‘Ali ibn al-Mu‘ayyad Hizbir al-Din Da’ud, who reigned
1322-63, on warfare in Egypt (at a time not known to me). During her reign she
built schools and mosques, established both internal security, justice and
administrative order. Is also said to have gone secretly from house to house of the
poor, seeking to learn their needs and giving them generous gifts. The
translation of her title is Vice-Regent, Lordly Lady of Piety,
Goodness, Sharp Intelligence, Decisive Resolve, Calm Forbearance, and Supreme
Political Acumen Patroness of Scholars and Upright Men of Religious Piety
Champion of the Poor and Needy, and she (d. 1360).