A HISTORY OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF BENIN WOMEN IN PRE-COLONIAL TIMES

SUMMARY

The history of pre-colonial Benin Society reveals the fact that Benin women share the same natural abilities and capability as women elsewhere in the world. The exploit of some heroic Benin women compares favourably with those of other great women of renown in world history. Their exploit in various fields of human endeavours would have matched with those of men and would, therefore, have enjoyed prominence in Nigeria pre-colonial history. That the Benin women in an able woman is not in doubt, from the study. unfortunately, she has not been given the change to prove her worth in various fields of human endeavours even in the present dispensation. In the field of politics and other areas of serious decision making in Nigeria, women in Nigeria, Benin Women inclusive needs to be given a fair chance, their responsibilities should not be limited to the provisions of labour and care taking of the household economy. Benin women have consistently proven that they can compete and even surpass their male counterpart if given fair opportunities. Women like Ogio Emose, Erhorho and others had no iota of western education or the level of sophistication that the present Nigeria women has, yet they administered a great kingdom like Benin with credit, it is therefore very confusing that present Nigerian women with their wealth of experience and education are not allowed to fully participate in the mainstream of socio-economic and political life of Nigeria.