In West African Societies the status of  women is a unique characteristic that is much different then the concepts traditionally seen in most western civilizations.  Men and women in most cases hold equal status and responsibilities within West African societies.  The Queen Mother in Asante and Benin kingdoms have reached the highest level of power for both men and women.  The Queen Mother  held supreme power in political, economic and spiritual power in many cultures.  There are very few pictures in this website of Queen Mothers because they are considered so powerful and important in societies it is considered disrespectful to take numerous photographs. (