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Understanding the Origins and Evolution Umuada:
The Umuada sociopolitical group have always remained a strong voice in representing and promoting and safeguarding the interests of women rights within the Igbo society. Found in every Igbo community within the southeastern part of Nigeria, the group provides a platform where women can lend their voices to pressing societal issues as well as perform culturally delegated roles that advances the general interests of the community.
The term “Umuada” comes from the conjoining of two distinct words which are “Umu” (children of) which in this case is a collective word that describes a group of persons sharing communal history and “Ada” which is a title ascribed to every first daughter in every Igbo family.
The body, which used to be a closed group exclusively reserved for all first daughters of the community has over the years continued to evolve to become more open to also embrace into their fold other women married into the community from other places therefore ensuring all women’s rights under their purview are protected.
The Sociopolitical Role of Umuada in Igbo Communities
For a society built on republican ethos, the Igbo society is structured to ensure proper representation of all voices and rights within its community. The role of Umuada within this social structure stems from the understanding of the sacredness of womanhood. Beyond being nurturers, the Igbo society recognizes that women hold considerable influence in addressing certain social issues especially as they pertain to the interests of women.
Whether it is settling disputes among fellow women, addressing infidelity or domestic violence, negotiating for community benefits for women, organizing women-owned associations in order to pursue empowerment initiatives, providing emotional and financial support to women at moments of bereavement.
Umuada as Advocates for Women’s Welfare and Rights:
The Umuada group also operate as a strong pressure group to promote the welfare and interests of women as well as curtail the excesses of men often going to the extent of confronting them when laws that are detrimental to the community well-being are made or a family dispute is bringing harm to one of their own.
As a body they remain committed to the welfare of the community. It is not uncommon to find the Umuada group engaged in one social activity such as the cleaning of the village squares, preparing community meals for celebrations or monthly sanitation exercises across the community. Their capacity to mobilize each member of the group to achieve a common objective irrespective of whatever opposition they might have to confront makes them a strong force that cannot be trifled with.
In the age where there is a growing advocacy for more financial empowerment of women, the Umuada group are constantly pursuing these objectives through the establishment of various cooperative societies, trade unions of which are open to every member interested in joining. They even go a step further to establish microfinance banks within the community.
Through such organizations, they can access grants, loans or pull resources among each other to provide financial support to members in need.
In the decision making within the community, their opinions are not only sought but debated upon to ensure that a fair and justifiable agreement that takes into consideration the interests and the rights of women are implemented.
It is a common notion that whatever the Umuada group requires to be done from the community, or the household of a particular family, it is in the best interests of all involved to negotiate with the women group or adhere to their demands.
To date, the Umuada group has continuously remained a body for societal change within the Igbo community. Whether it be protecting the norms or cultural value of the Igbo society, advancing the interests of the community, or protecting the interests of women while advancing their rights to fair and justifiable treatment within the society, the Umuada group have continued to stand in the gap as a force for the good of all.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
