kp’ari: THE WOMEN OF ONITSHA

The women of Onitsha are known to be strong, determined, ambitious and communal.

In traditional Onitsha society, women's independence was fostered by cultural traditions that placed a premium on female assertiveness and collectivity, and did not define power as socially deviant. If men usually capitulated and were, or seemed ‘helpless’ before the collective strength of women, it is not because they were passive or timid. It was more that they were accustomed to women being in positions of power and influence, and had consequently developed respect for their organisational skills.

“ The dominance of the Umu Ada in Igboland is indeed noteworthy and deserves ample recognition. The purpose of this body of work is to shed light on the Umu Ada and in this same course, highlight the need for women to be actively involved in policy and decision making processes that would directly contribute to nation building and development nationally and internationally. ”