Cultural Dynamics of Women Population as Inheritable Property in Anambra Traditional Society in South-Eastern Nigeria: Implications for Women’s Health

Abstract

The study examined the practice of women as inheritable property among the Anambra Igbo. This was with a view to analysing how this practice has impacted on women’s population health and ascertain whether there have been changes in this practice. Feminism theory was employed to explain the inferior social status, subordination and exclusion of women population from partaking in the societal resources such as family property. This paper argued that women’s lack of access to inheritable property is the cause of women’s poverty and their poor health in Igboland. The study indicated that women are seen and treated as property and that women are inherited by their husbands’ kinsmen at the death of their husbands. The study also revealed neglect in the welfare of the widow and her children for her refusal to observe certain cultural but inhumane practice. The study also revealed that some communities practice widow cleansing in which the village deity priest must have sex with the widow after the burial of her husband so that she should be allowed to stay in that community. The study recommended that women as inheritable property have economic and health implications for all women in Igboland whether they are widowed, married or single. The study concluded that the concept of women as inheritable property impoverishes women and constitutes a barrier to women’s attainment of their full potentials in Igboland, and it has serious implications for their health.