Igbo women protest harmful traditional practices.
| credits: File copy
The event, which took place at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral field, Awka was organised by Umuada Igbo, an umbrella of all Igbo women married outside their hometowns.
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, the woman cannot inherit property and estate. 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.
During the speech, most of the women at the event broke down and started weeping as the ills against them were enumerated.
The women spoke in support of a bill, Violence Against Person 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 by the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Edwin Nwatalari, Security by Gwary, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Finham Adeoye.
The former commissioner for Women’s Affairs in the state, Mrs. Henrietta Agbata, who is the state coordinator, Umuada Igbo, commended the women for the unity and IPAS-Nigeria for its commitment to women related issues.
punch.
