Janet Okala (1894–1971) was a Nigerian political leader and community organiser. She led protests during the Aba Women's War, and formed local and nationally-linked organisations to advocate for Nigerian women's political power.

Early life

Janet Okala was born in Onitsha in 1894 as the third child and first daughter of Odukwe Odili.[1] She later became a resident of Owerrinta where she became known for her political activism.[2] Her alias was "Mama Bread" as she also owned a bakery.[2]

Political career and activism

In 1929, Okala led protesting women in the Owerrinta region during the Aba Women's War.[2] According to historian Nina Emma Mba, Okala had previously provided leadership and counseling to local women but rose to particular prominence during the war.[3]

In 1945, Okala formed the Enugu Women's Association and was elected one of its vice presidents.[4] Following a 1949 visit from educator and campaigner Funmilayo Ransome Kuti (FRK), the group changed its name to the Enugu branch of the Nigerian Women's Union.[5] In describing FRK's visit, Okala wrote that "Before that time women at Enugu had no right to probe into the affairs of their country. Mrs. Kuti on her arrival educated us."[4] Local newspapers such as the West African Pilot and the Daily Times celebrated the group's name change as a symbol of nationalist solidarity among Nigerian women.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Okala, Janet". Okala, Janet (1894). Oxford University Press. January 2011. ISBN 978-0-19-538207-5. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  2. 1 2 3 Chuku, Gloria (2005). Igbo Women and Economic Transformation in Southeastern Nigeria, 1900–1960. Psychology Press. ISBN 978-0-415-97210-9.
  3. ↑ Egbo, Benedicta (2000-01-01). Gender, Literacy, and Life Chances in Sub-Saharan Africa. Multilingual Matters. ISBN 978-1-85359-464-9.
  4. 1 2 3 Johnson-Odim, Cheryl; Mba, Nina Emma (1997). For Women and the Nation: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti of Nigeria. University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978-0-252-06613-9.
  5. ↑ Ako-Nai, Ronke Iyabowale (2013). Gender and Power Relations in Nigeria. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-0-7391-7778-5.


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