By Yvonne Momah

Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, recently urged market women to advise their children against participating in the August hunger protest. Mrs. Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Lagos, visited Dosumu Market and pleaded for calm during these turbulent times. It is a familiar scene: politicians turning to women unions in times of crisis, seeking their support and influence. But why is this? It is because, historically, every movement that has sparked change has been driven by women, mobilizing from the grassroots.

Women are the backbone of society, weaving connections from street markets to skyscrapers. Nigerian women have a rich history of collective actions and protest that have significantly shaped the social and political landscape of the nation. From the colonial era to contemporary times, women have been at the forefront of movements demanding justice, equality, and better governance.

The history of women’s protests in the country dates back to the colonial period, marked by significant uprisings such as the Aba Women’s War of 1929 and the Egba Women’s Revolt of the 1940s. The Aba Women’s War, also known as the Women’s War, saw thousands of Igbo women revolting against British colonial policies, leading to a major challenge to colonial authority. Similarly, the Egba Women’s Revolt was a response to oppressive taxation by the colonial government, with market women playing a crucial role in mobilizing the masses. In recent years, Nigerian women have continued to be instrumental in national protests. The #EndSARS movement of 2020 is a prime example, where women were at the forefront of the fight against police brutality.

The Feminist Coalition, a group of young women, played a vital role in organizing fund-raising, and providing legal and medical support to protesters. Women like Aisha Yesufu and Rinu Oduala became prominent figures, using their platforms to mobilize support and advocate for change. Economic hardship and social inequality have often been catalysts for women’s protests in the country. The recent surge in protests, such as August 1 to 10 ,2024 protest, was driven by the economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidies. Women, particularly those in grassroots and market associations, are deeply affected by economic policies and often lead movements to demand better living conditions and government accountability.

The collective action of women in the country has led to significant policy changes and heightened awareness of social issues. The #BringBackOurGirls movement, co-founded by Aisha Yesufu and Oby Ezekwesili, brought global attention to the plight of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in 2014. This movement pressured the government to take more decisive actions in securing the release of the abducted girls and addressing the broader issue of insecurity in the country. Despite their significant contributions, Nigerian women activists often face challenges, including threats, harassment, and societal resistance.

The call for peaceful protests is frequently met with concerns about security and the potential for violence, as seen in the advisories issued by groups like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). These organizations urge caution, emphasizing the risks of protests being hijacked by hoodlums or leading to unintended consequences. Nigerian women have consistently demonstrated their power and resilience through collective action, significantly impacting national protests and social change.

From historical uprisings against colonial rule to contemporary movements addressing police brutality and economic hardship, women’s involvement in protests has been crucial in shaping the country’s sociopolitical landscape. As the nation continues to grapple with economic and social challenges, the role of women in advocating for justice and equity remains indispensable.

•Yvonne Momah obtained an LL. B from the University of Derby, an LL.M in International Development from the University of Warwick and B.L from Nigerian Law School. She currently works as Programme Coordinator / Partnership Manager at The Women Leadership Institute

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