Women and Heritage Preservation in Southeast Nigeria: Exploring New Approaches

Abstract

The current state of women in heritage studies and the response of culture and tradition to gender issues in the rural areas are the basis for this article. The article examined the role of women in heritage preservation and promotion in Southeast Nigeria and beyond. This study was able to identify that women have great roles to play in the preservation of heritage resources in their various localities through different dimensions, and relevant/critical studies on heritage. Culture demands, treachery, inconsiderate gender struggles and gender limitations have hindered the potentialities of women in heritage issues. At the end, the study suggested new dimensions to the study of heritage that accommodate the relevance of women in heritage preservation and studies. These include feminist heritage, which implies that women and heritage can be studied in two fronts; looking at the activities of women in heritage preservation and the activities of women in heritage studies. Also important is the WECS Heritage Model which tends to address likely issues that may arise. The implication of the study is that it will open a new direction in heritage studies that would not only accommodate the relevance of women in heritage preservation and studies but also ensure smooth women studies on heritage resources in Southeast Nigeria and beyond.