Asena Mikael

An Ethiopian warrior and resistance leader who fought Italian colonialism using innovative guerrilla tactics

Asena Mikael (1895–1968) was a legendary Oromo warrior from Ethiopia who led a daring resistance against Italian colonial forces during the 1930s. Born in the Arsi region, she mastered horseback riding and combat skills traditionally reserved for men. During Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia (1935–1941), Asena organized a militia of women and youths, using hit-and-run tactics to disrupt Italian supply lines. Her strategy of blending traditional Oromo warfare with modern guerrilla techniques made her a symbol of resistance. After Ethiopia’s liberation, she became a political activist, advocating for Oromo cultural preservation. Her story is chronicled in the book Ethiopia’s Unsung Heroines. Though largely overlooked in mainstream history, her legacy is celebrated in the Oromo Museum of National Resistance in Addis Ababa.