Women and Economic Development in Ehugbo Society, 1900-1960 (Published)
The role of women in the economy of Ehugbo during the colonial period has remained largely understudied by historians. This is in spite of the fact that both in terms of their numerical strength and economic importance, women’s role in Ehugbo deserves attention. This paper argued that through their collective and individual activities, the women-folk, both as mothers, farmers, traders and producers, wielded enough economic power to contribute significantly to community, state and international development. They were responsive and receptive to economic opportunities and innovations. This did not obfuscate the fact that during the colonial period, the people’s efforts and resources were not used for the development of their area but were rather exported to the metropolitan country. Also since it was reasoned that a woman’s place in the society was the home, the colonial government never thought in terms of encouraging the women in develop their potentials through its administrative and economic policies neither was it deemed expedient by the colonial government to integrate the women into the development process of the colonized areas. It is argued that in their various endeavours, women demonstrated remarkable creativity, ingenuity and entrepreneurship, which enabled them to face the challenges of the period. With their economic power, the women were well placed to actively participate in the development of the area.
Keywords: Economic Development, Economic Structure, Local Instructress, Women