Several thousands of women from the South -East geopolitical zone on Wednesday met in Awka, Anambra State to find ways of abolishing several harmful practices against Igbo women.
The event, which took place at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral field, Awka, was organised by Umuada Igbo, an umbrella body of all Igbo women married outside their home towns.
The event, which took place at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral field, Awka, was
It was also organised to mark the World Women’s Day with the theme, “Make it happen.” The event was supported by IPAS-Nigeria.
Under Igbo customs, a woman cannot inherit property and estate of their parents. Women are also made to go through some rituals, which many consider to be harmful, when they lose their husbands.
The President of Umuada Igbo, Dr. Kate Ezeofor, said the group was planning advocacy visits, rallies and meetings to the communities, villages and towns to educate them on their inheritance rights.
Governor Willie Obiano commended Umuada Igbo for its commitment in pursuit of Igbo women’s rights.
Most of the women at the event broke down in tears as the injustices against them were enumerated.
The women spoke in support of a bill, ‘Violence against Personal Prohibition before the Senate’, which had passed its first and second readings.
The women also deliberated on family planning, reproductive health and rights and its legal implications.
Other issues discussed included ‘Voter Education’, a talk given by the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Edwin Nwatalari; ‘Security’, given by Mr. A. Gwary, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Finham Adeoye.
The former Commissioner for Women’s Affairs in the state, Mrs. Henrietta Agbata and Umuada Igbo commended the women and IPAS-Nigeria for the unity and commitment to women-related issues.
The women were drawn from Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states.
