The Women of Eatern Nigeria have annual meetings tagged 'August Meeting' and 2023 is loading....
I asked why and i hear things like those who attend whose husbands dont have money feel oppressed and stay at their corner and gossip down those who have and those who have look down on those who dont have so some groups have gone South...
What is this August meeting about and why must it hold? When was it started and why?
I don't really know much about the competition, but one of the benefit of the August meeting is social development to the community; I remember my mom in-law told me how town hall and stall(s) for market women were built during their yearly August meeting, some even give scholarships.
ReplyDeleteIt foster unity and discipline among women.
August meeting used to be fun in my early days of marriage about three decades ago until some women started using it as an excuse to misbehave. This now led to the compulsory CWO wrapper uniform and China white blouse.
ReplyDeleteWhat now differentiates us is the accessories - bags, necklaces, watches, shoes etc. Lol
During August meetings,, particularly for the catholic faithfuls, the women gather mostly to raise funds for church projects, settle disputes and pray .
Seriously, I have not attended for three years now because of insecurity. God help us.
I don't know when it started but this is my own understanding (Corrections are welcome)
ReplyDeleteAugust meeting is an assembly of all daughters and mothers (Umu-adas) scattered far and wide to go back home to discuss the advancement of women well-being, highlight the ills on women and celebrate their achievements. They also help in community development. The meetings hold at several levels: State level, Local Government level, kindred/village/family level and then religion level too; you have catholic and anglican women do theirs.
It is suppose to be a gathering of enlightenment and exchange of ideas but unfortunately it has turned to who wears the latest kirikiri star or flying horse wrapper, backbiting, chopping money, who wants to overthrow the Chairlady. There is a lot of ass-licking too plus too much segregation sef, August meeting for women based Abroad. The matter long sha.
I just remembered the movie August meeting.
ReplyDeleteFrom time immemorial the Igbo's has always been know to have adopted democratic system of doing thing, no one is considered more important so issues are always deliberated on and everyone's opinion is considered before decisions are made. That has always been our way.
ReplyDeleteThe meeting is just Igbo women's way of contributing to building a better Igbo society by coming together every august to map a way forward. Ideas are exchanged etc.
Why it is done in august is because it coincide with the long vacation been that most involved are mothers, at least you don't have to worry about school run.
This year might not be as popular because of the economic situation, personally I won't be traveling because I will spend close to 70k on transport to and fro. My kids school fees was increased so that money will go along way
It was birthed out of a noble idea to make an impact in the community, by then .... Where 2 or more Women are gathered 🙄🙄
ReplyDeleteTo promote unity, love, learn, carry out social responsibilities, empowerment and so on. Such a nice meeting. Though I have never attended any.
ReplyDeleteMao Akuh
The security situation,dwindling finances and high transport fares will not make many to attend this year. Our Igbo neighbor normally travels to attend it.
ReplyDeleteKidnappers are still doing practice. Their market go blow for August. Only an idiot will travel to SE for August meeting
ReplyDelete