The Aba Women's Riots of 1929 were a response to the imposition of heavy taxes on women traders.
In simple terms, the women in Aba, Nigeria were unhappy with the government's decision to impose high taxes specifically on women who were involved in trading. This was a significant issue because many women in Aba relied on trading as their main source of income to support their families.
The introduction of these heavy taxes created a lot of financial burden and hardship for the women traders. The women felt that these taxes were unfair and amounted to an unjust treatment of women in society.
In response to the taxes, the women organized and protested against the government's decision. These protests eventually turned into the Aba Women's Riots, with thousands of women coming together to demand the repeal of the taxes.
The riots were also fueled by other grievances, such as the lack of political representation for women and the encroachment on traditional practices. However, the imposition of heavy taxes on women traders was the primary catalyst for the uprising.
The Aba Women's Riots of 1929 were a significant event in Nigerian history as they marked a turning point in the fight for women's rights and political activism. It was a powerful demonstration of women's collective strength in challenging unjust policies and advocating for a more equitable society.