Women's War

Quick Facts: Who was Women's War?

Subject:

Women's War

Known for:

Major 1929 revolt by Igbo women protesting colonial taxation and authority.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Women's War (Igbo: Ogu Umunwanyi; Ibibio and Annang: Ekong Iban) was a period of unrest in colonial Nigeria in November 1929. The protests broke out when thousands of Igbo women from the Bende District, Umuahia and other places in Nigeria traveled to the town of Oloko to protest against the warrant chiefs, local men appointed by British colonial authorities to serve as administrative representatives and had no precedent in Igbo tradition, whom they accused of restricting the role of women in the government. The protest encompassed women from six ethnic groups (Igbo, Ibibio, Andoni, Ogoni, Efik, and Ijaw). The term war in this context did not refer to combat but instead referenced the Igbo women's practice of 'making war on a man' (or 'sitting on a man'), a form of public shaming. It was organised and led by the rural women of Owerri and Calabar provinces.

Career & Major Achievements

The modus operandi of the protests involved 'sit-in' by the women. During the events, many warrant chiefs were forced to resign, and 16 Native Courts were attacked, most of which were destroyed. It was the first major revolt by women in West Africa. In 1930, the colonial government abolished the system of warrant chieftains, and appointed women to the Native Court system. These reforms were built upon by African women and have been seen as a prelude to the emergence of mass African nationalism.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The event that ultimately led to the war was the introduction of direct taxation. In April 1927, the colonial government in Nigeria took measures to enforce the Native Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance. A colonial resident, W. E. Hunt, was commissioned by the lieutenant governor of Nigeria to explain the provisions and objects of the new ordinance to the people throughout the five provinces in the Eastern Region. This was to prepare the ground for the introduction of direct taxation due to take effect in April 1928. Direct taxation on men was introduced in 1928 without major incidents.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1927: 1927 Milestone — In April 1927, the colonial government in Nigeria took measures to enforce the Native Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance.
2. 1928: 1928 Milestone — This was to prepare the ground for the introduction of direct taxation due to take effect in April 1928.
3. 1929: 1929 Milestone — The Women's War (Igbo: Ogu Umunwanyi; Ibibio and Annang: Ekong Iban) was a period of unrest in colonial Nigeria in November 1929.
4. 1930: 1930 Milestone — In 1930, the colonial government abolished the system of warrant chieftains, and appointed women to the Native Court system.

Notable Quotes by Women's War

“women will not pay tax till the world ends [and] Chiefs were not to exist any more.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Women's War

True or False: “The term 'war' used by the Igbo women during the 1929 protests referred to actual armed combat against colonial forces.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): In this context, 'making war on a man' meant a form of public shaming or protest, not literal warfare.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdel Halim Hafez — Historical peer (Born in 1929) (1929): Iconic Egyptian singer and actor, known as 'The Brown-Skinned Nightingale'.
• Adrienne Rich — Historical peer (Born in 1929) (1929): Influential American poet, essayist, and leading voice in feminist literary discourse.
• Adolf Wölfli — Historical peer (Died in 1930) (1930): Swiss outsider artist known for meticulous, symbolic, and autobiographical works.
• Adonis (poet) — Historical peer (Born in 1930) (1930): Pioneering Syrian poet, essayist, and translator who revolutionized modern Arabic verse.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Historical peer (Born in 1927) (1927): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Abdul Halim of Kedah — Historical peer (Born in 1927) (1927): Sultan of Kedah and Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a pivotal Malaysian royal figure.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Adrian Frutiger — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): Pioneering Swiss typeface designer, master of sans-serif aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Women's War