August Meeting and Its Change Mantra: An Appraisal of the Quest for Economic Independence for Rural Women in the Igbo Ethnic Group of Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of discrimination, subjugation and marginalization has negatively affected the psyche of women, particularly those in the rural areas of south east Nigeria. But with the emergence of August meeting, a new change has occurred. On the basis of this, this study interrogated the essence of August meeting and its change mantra, especially its economic self reliance strategy for ameliorating the deplorable living conditions of rural women in the Igbo ethnic group of southeast Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive and survey research designs and data collection through structured questionnaires; focus group discussions and in- depth-interviews. Among the findings, the study revealed that August meeting is nowadays more than ever very committed to changing the ugly narrative of Igbo women through the building of basic socio-economic infrastructure in rural areas. Through the activities of August meeting and its change mantra, the economic self reliance of women has improved the deplorable living conditions of rural women thereby changing the widespread poverty amongst women. Thirdly, the study also showed that August Meeting has become a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the dismantling of all discriminatory and oppressive practices against women. Finally, the study concluded that all the initiatives to improve women socio- economically were in line with the promotion of higher rural productivity and the good welfare of the rural population. Based on these, the paper recommended that August meeting should be holistic in its engagement to promptly address the widespread poverty associated with women, particularly in rural areas. Secondly, August meeting should condemn any deviant behavior that is inconsistent with the change mantra. All concerted efforts should be guided to ensure peace and love reign in their different communities.

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