…Igbo women must go beyond commendation and translate into meaningful opportunities.
ENUGU, Nigeria — The iNews Times | Igbo women have been described as key architects of societal resilience and global development, as the Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation of Igboland commended African women, particularly those from the Igbo ethnic group, for their vital role in advancing sustainable development.
In a statement delivered by the Founder and Executive Director of the foundation, Amb. Dr. Uba Iwunwa, to mark International Women’s Day, the organisation highlighted the significant contributions of Igbo women as builders of resilient communities whose impact extends beyond Nigeria and Africa.
The foundation noted that sustainability goes far beyond environmental stewardship, explaining that it also includes economic stability, social justice and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“In this light, Igbo women are taking charge, pioneering initiatives ranging from regenerative agriculture practices in the South-East to innovative business models within local markets.
“Their influence is evident across sectors, including policymaking and academia, where they drive conversations on clean energy solutions and advocate social reforms that uplift their communities,” the statement said.
The foundation also expressed concern over what it described as the systemic marginalisation of women in Africa, Nigeria and particularly in Igboland, stressing the urgent need to address gender disparities in leadership and decision-making roles.
“When the architects of our future are denied leadership positions, the very foundation of our society becomes precarious,” Iwunwa said.
Queen Ugobeze, who also spoke on the issue, emphasised the need for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles to reflect their contributions to community development and sustainability.
According to her, recognising the efforts of Igbo women must go beyond commendation and translate into meaningful opportunities in governance and community leadership.
In response, the Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation called for urgent action to address the growing gender imbalance, urging both government and traditional institutions to dismantle patriarchal barriers that hinder women’s advancement into leadership positions.
The foundation advocated legislation requiring that women occupy at least 35 percent of appointed and elected positions at both federal and state levels, describing such representation as crucial for national security and effective governance.
“We call for a cultural renaissance in Igboland that promotes equal participation of women in decision-making, particularly within traditional councils.
“We strongly demand improved economic opportunities for women, including better land tenure systems, access to low-interest credit and essential digital resources, so that women can effectively scale their businesses and strengthen their roles in society.
“Empowering women is not merely a matter of equity but a strategic imperative for building a sustainable future,” the group added.
