The Impact of Umuada Group (The Powerful Daughters) in Umuorah-Umuohiri

Abstract

The role of community development as well as conflict resolution is not one issue strictly reserved for men as some groups of women have in the past shown that these tasks can also be handled by women. One of such groups is the Umuada Ndi Igbo of the Eastern part of Nigeria. The main focus of this study is to investigate the impact of Umuada in Umuorah-Umuohiri in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State. This was deemed necessary to study so as to be well informed               of the various contributions of the Umuada group in Umuorah-Umuohiri Community. This phenomenological research study involved Umuada daughters of Umuorah village, adult community members as well as chiefs. Oral interviews using a structured interview schedule was used as the method for data collection. The data was presented by highlighting the responses of respondents. This study reveals from reports gathered that the Umuada group of women in Umuorah village were resourceful and had a strong impact in certain issues pertaining the village including settling inter and intra-communal disputes, ensuring law and order as well as community development. Conclusively, the Umuada group in Umuorah village is necessary forces involved in pertinent issues regarding the village. This has earned them respect as morally responsible agents where they serve. Their role in conflict resolution and culture/norms implementation in Igbo land is worthy of note. Further enquiry into the system of interaction between UMUADA and formal systems meant to ensure law and order in Nigeria is however recommended.