While the majority of societies around the world are patriarchal, there are some exceptions. In Europe there is an island which is completely managed by women. Kihnu island of Estonia, is probably Europe’s last matriarchy stronghold.

One of the largest – seventh — of Estonia’s 2,000 islands, Kihnu boasts of picturesque beaches, forests and farmhouses is also a place known for being dominated by women – as they constitute about 90 percent of its total population.

Kinhu island has been registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in its intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

Going back in the past, men of the island in the 19th Century would be out in sea hunting for fish and seal for days and months and thus women in response had to come forward to take over the reins of every aspect of the place.

The traditional roles of the women expanded to include all those functions that were necessary for a society to function. They took charge of weddings and funerals, dance, song and handicrafts, all aspects of the society and culture. An article in the New York Times talks about Mare Mats who does multitasking. She not only manages several homestays on the island which include one at her home, but is also a tour guide and lighthouse keeper.

Now the traditional Kihnu society is facing the stresses and strains of modernisation. The number of people in the place are reducing as many are moving away due to lack of jobs. With the fishing industry changing, men are returning home for longer periods, with some even staying on.

Despite these new developments, Kihnu women are keeping the customs and traditions of the place intact and passing them