Margaret Ekpo(OON, CFR) was a political activist and mobilizer born in Calabar, in 1914.
Famous for:
-Mobilizing women through the use of salt forming the The Aba Township Women’s Association (ATWA) in 1954
-her radical statements and her negotiating skills.
-being the First female delegate in NCNC National Council of Nigerian and Cameroons.
-being an elected legislator in the Eastern House of Assembly
Born at a time when women weren’t allowed to vote, let alone participate in politics (until the early 1950’s, women weren’t allowed to vote) Defying societal norms, she boldly spoke out and carved a space for women in Nigerian politics during the height of British colonial rule, a period that was marked by growing resistance and tension between Nigerians and the colonial government.
There was agitation for independence and in 1949, Amid increasing unrest, miners at the time staged protests over unjust dismissals, poor wages, and dangerous working conditions. The demonstrations turned tragic when colonial police opened fire, killing 20 miners. In response, Margaret Ekpo became an even louder voice for justice, known for making radical and fearless statements, including her famous declaration, “If they had shot a single black woman in that protest, I would have gone into the first house in Aba, and shot dead the first white woman I saw ”
She championed the cause of inclusion, tirelessly advocating for equal rights, political participation, and social justice in a deeply patriarchal society.
She was elected as a special member of the house of chiefs( a legislative structure the British government allowed as a vehicle to increase participation of Nigerians in their own affairs)
Eventually, Her efforts led to her being elected to parliament twice.
However, during her second term, a military coup disrupted civilian rule. By the time democracy was restored, she was 65 years old.
She died at the age of 92 on September 21, 2006.
Writer :
@gailchukwu
Produced and edited by
@gugurustudios
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#MargaretEkpo #WomensHistory #WomenInPolitics #KanyinEros #TheSecretLivesofNigerianWomen
