A “Her-Storical” Conceptualization of the “Umuada” Traditional Institution of Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores a sociocultural organization of women in Eastern
Nigeria through the lens of feminist and historical scholarship. The aim is
to examine the historical evolution, roles, and contributions of the Umuada
within their communities, particularly in conflict resolution, cultural
preservation, and socioeconomic development. Utilizing a qualitative
methodology, the research draws from oral histories, archival records,
and ethnographic observations to provide a nuanced understanding of
the institution. The findings reveal that the Umuada, far from being a
peripheral group, have played pivotal roles as custodians of traditions,
mediators in family and communal disputes, and advocates for women’s
rights within the patriarchal structure of Igbo society. Despite these contributions, the study highlights the challenges posed by modernity, urbanization, and diminishing communal ties to the relevance and
functionality of the institution. Major conclusions emphasize the need to
reimagine and integrate the Umuada into contemporary frameworks for
community development and gender advocacy, by ensuring their sustained
impact in a rapidly changing sociocultural landscape. By foregrounding
the experiences and agency of these women, the study contributes to the
broader discourse on African feminism and indigenous knowledge systems.