Mbaise Family Women Association Inc of Southern of California (MFWA) is a non-profit organization formed under the laws of the State of California. The organization started in October 1992 as the women’s wing of the main association – Mbaise Family Association (MFA). Prior to that, the women attended social meetings with MFA. As membership in MFA increased and with the realization that women needed to have a separate organization that addressed their needs and concerns directly, Ezeji Emeka Okoro SK, a member of the MFA pitched to the women the idea of starting their own. The Mbaise women loved the idea and with the support of $200 from Ezeji Emeka Okoro SK, the birth of MFWA – Mbaise Family Women Association became a reality.
The first ever president of MFWA was Mrs. Reward Anyanwu. She assumed the mantle and helped in laying the solid foundation that has stood the test of time. The first meeting was held in Los Angeles and in attendance were the following members – Mrs. Reward Anyanwu, Mrs. Rose Amah, Mrs. Ada Okezie, Mrs. Rose Amuchie, Mrs. Josephine Ihesiaba, Mrs. Vivian Okoro, Mrs. Ihuoma Okwandu and Mrs. Lovelyn Anyanwu. From these handful of women to a current membership of over 120 members, the organization has been growing in leaps and bounds.
Other presidents that have led the organization include Mrs. Josephine Ihesiaba, Mrs. Rose Amuchie, Mrs. Rose Amah, Mrs. Ihuoma Okwandu, Mrs. Jane Akponye, Mrs. Ada Okezie, Mrs. Jacinta Nwoko, and Mrs. Gertrude Okoro. The current president is Mrs. Euphemia Uhegbu.
Some notable accomplishments include the following:
- In 1997, MFWA had a formal launching of the organization, presentation of our almanac and the Women’s Dance Group.
- In 2001, MFWA obtained its EIN# and revised its bylaws in union with the men’s wing (MFA). Our bylaws have gone through several revisions, including one in 2008 (pink book) during Mrs Ihuoma Okwandu’s tenure.
- In 2006, the association increased its charitable visibility and raised funds which were distributed equally amongst the three local government areas that make up the Mbaise Community – Ahiazu, Aboh and Ezinihitte. The disbursed funds were used in medical missions to select hospitals with a primary focus on equipping maternity wards with much needed equipment and medications in these underfunded hospitals.
- In 2012, we launched our green george uniform and our native Omurunwa dance.
- Between 2021 and 2022, MFWA went through a restructuring to become a 501c (7) tax-exempt social club. In 2022, under the direction of then President, Mrs. Gertrude Okoro, the bylaws were rewritten by the bylaw committee led Mrs. Ivy Madu. The bylaw was completed and adopted in October 2022.
Our organization believes in giving back to the impoverished communities in Mbaise and by uplifting the people, we uplift families to live in better conditions. We also believe in participating in charitable activities in Southern California and we will undertake more activities in the future. Please see our volunteer section on ways you can help.
As a family-oriented non-profit social organization, we’ve formed social groups and committees that organize Women’s Day, Children and Youth Outings, Father’s Day, Annual Picnic, Christmas events, Dance, Hospitality, and Charitable activities. We encourage our children in learning the Igbo culture and as well integration in the American society. Faith, family, education, and culture are paramount to our principles. The association is headed towards accomplishing bigger and better things in the future.