The Documentary Podcast The Fifth Floor: Fighting crime with kitchen spoons
Jan 4, 2025
Adline Okere, BBC Igbo editor and member of the Anam community, shares the inspiring tale of local women using kitchen spoons to tackle crime and restore safety in their neighborhood. She highlights their grassroots activism and historical significance, linking their efforts to women's rights movements. Meanwhile, Thuong Le, a BBC Vietnamese journalist, recounts a breathtaking train journey from Bangkok to Vientiane, showcasing the beauty of the landscapes and the economic potential of the new railway connecting the regions.
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Umuada and the Spoons of Justice
- The women of Anam, Nigeria, known as Umuada, confronted rising crime with a unique tool: their kitchen spoons.
- They instituted curfews, patrolled with spoons, and successfully restored peace to their community.
Authority of the Umuada
- The Umuada are not formally elected but gain authority through community respect and collective action.
- Their shared commitment to justice empowers them to enforce curfews and address social issues.
Advocacy in Abia State
- In 2020, Adeline Okere reported on a community in Abia State lacking essential services like hospitals and schools.
- The women there voiced their needs, demonstrating the Umuada's role in advocating for the marginalized.