matriarchal governance

Matriarchal governance refers to a social system where women, especially female elders, hold primary authority in decision-making, leadership, and societal roles. Unlike patriarchal systems dominated by men, matriarchal societies emphasize women's influence in political, familial, and community matters. Leadership often passes through female lines of descent, and women's perspectives shape laws and customs. While relatively rare globally, these systems highlight alternative social structures that prioritize women's roles in governance and social organization, fostering a different balance of power rooted in gender-based authority.