At the heart of Igbo communities lies an age-old tradition, particularly significant for women—the Igbo August Meeting. This annual congress, held in August, draws Igbo women from various corners of the world (Home and Abroad) back to their ancestral villages, where they engage in discussions and collectively shape the future of their communities.
Historical Background
Historically, women in Igbo communities have wielded significant political power through their associations and gatherings. The Umuadas (daughters of the community who maintain ties with their birthplace) and the Otu Alutaradi (wives from diverse backgrounds) have long played pivotal roles in maintaining order, promoting solidarity, and fostering community development.
Evolution of the August Meeting
The evolution of the August Meeting can be traced back to the colonial era, marked by mass urbanisation and social upheaval. As Igbo women migrated to urban centres, they sought to maintain connections with their rural roots. This gave birth to the “Home and Abroad” meetings, providing a platform for discussing development issues and preserving the link between urban and rural communities.
Central Tenets of the August Meeting Tradition
Central to the August Meeting tradition is the concept of inclusivity and unity. All married women in the community are expected to participate, with attendance considered compulsory. Not attending is strongly discouraged, with permission for non-attendance granted only on grounds of ill-health, childbirth, or bereavement.
Challenges and Solutions
Since its beginning the August Meeting has faced its fair share of challenges. In its early years, issues such as grandiose displays of wealth through expensive clothing, wrappers, and jewellery emerged. This discouraged some women from attending, leading to a drop in turnout in various communities. Moreover, rumours circulated that many marriages failed due to pressure on husbands to procure the latest attire for the meeting. To address this, a dress code was introduced to ensure uniformity and encourage full participation regardless of economic status.
Contemporary Significance
Today, the August Meeting stands as a beacon of cultural pride and empowerment within Igbo society. Beyond its role in preserving tradition and fostering community cohesion, it serves as a catalyst for social change and progress. Discussions at the meeting encompass women’s rights, gender equality, education, entrepreneurship, and language preservation. In essence, the August Meeting transcends a mere gathering; it symbolises strength, unity, and resilience, embodying the collective spirit of the Igbo people and their commitment to shaping a future rooted in tradition and progress.
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Women of Amatta-Amaka in /keduru LGA during August Meeting.[vanguard.com]
References
Falola, T., & Paddock, A. (2011). The Women’s War of 1929: A History of Anti-Colonial Resistance in Eastern Nigeria. Durham: Carolina Academic Press.
‘August Meeting.’ (2008). Published by Nzuko Ndi Igbo http://www.igboezue.com (Accessed
6/1/2010), p.1
Van Allen. (1972). ‘Sitting on a Man: Colonialism and the Lost Political Institutions of Igbowomen.’
Canadian Journal of African Studies, Vol.6, No. 2.
2. G.U. Dine. (1983).Traditional Leadership as Service among the Igbo of Nigeria: Anthropological
Approach. Rome: Pontifical Università Lateranense
Ugobude, Franklin (8 March 2018). “”August Meeting” Is A History Lesson Everyone Needs To Learn”. The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 27 October 2019.
Ujumadu, Vincent (15 August 2018). “Annual august meeting draws women to villages”. Vanguard (Nigeria). Retrieved 27 October 2019.
Written by Grace Bisina, Edited by Chisom Akuakonam
Cover Image source: Ibo-bryllup Jeremy Weate, Lisens: CC BY NC 2.0