The Igbo Women's War, also known as the Women's War or the Aba Women's Riots, was a significant anti-colonial resistance movement that took place in southeastern Nigeria in November and December of 1929. The uprising was led by women from the Igbo ethnic group, who were protesting against British colonial policies that were negatively impacting their communities.
The immediate trigger for the Women's War was the imposition of direct taxation on women by the British colonial administration. This tax was seen as particularly unfair and burdensome, as it targeted women who were already struggling to make ends meet in a patriarchal society. Additionally, the colonial authorities were also implementing policies that restricted women's economic activities and limited their access to resources.
In response to these injustices, thousands of Igbo women mobilized and organized protests across the region. They marched, sang, and danced, and used traditional methods of communication to spread their message and gather support. The women targeted government buildings, courts, and other symbols of colonial authority, demanding an end to the oppressive policies and the removal of corrupt officials.
The Women's War was a powerful display of collective resistance and solidarity among Igbo women. It challenged the colonial authorities and forced them to reconsider their policies. While the uprising was eventually suppressed by the British military, it had a lasting impact on the Igbo community and inspired future generations of activists and feminists.
Overall, the Igbo Women's War was a pivotal moment in Nigerian history, highlighting the agency and resilience of women in the face of colonial oppression. It remains an important chapter in the struggle for gender equality and social justice in Nigeria and beyond.