By Queen Kunde
A groundbreaking movement for women’s political inclusion in Nigeria gained momentum today as the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) launched the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign in Abuja.
This landmark initiative is a rallying call for the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill and the full implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action across all levels of government. With women still underrepresented in governance, the campaign aims to break barriers and secure more political seats for Nigerian women.
The event which was supported by the Institute of peace and conflict Resolution brought together key stakeholders, political leaders, and gender advocates who pledged their support for increased female representation. In her opening remarks, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, emphasized the critical role of the media in amplifying the campaign’s message.
“The media will remain a strong ally in ensuring the voices of Nigerian women are heard and that this campaign gains the momentum it deserves,” she stated.
Prominent figures in attendance, including Princess Edna Azura, President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and the Minister of Women Affairs, represented by Princess Jummai Idonije, stressed the urgent need for action to address the gender imbalance in Nigerian governance.
A passionate call to action came from Hon. Princess Obiajulu, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, who urged stakeholders to move beyond advocacy to real implementation. “We must shift from mere rhetoric to real action. The time for inclusion is now,” she declared.
The NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, reassured that female journalists would be mobilized to ensure widespread media coverage, public awareness, and grassroots engagement until the campaign’s objectives are fully realized.
The event’s highlight was the official launch and flag-off of the Ward2Ward campaign, marking the beginning of grassroots mobilization across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. The initiative will engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations in advocating for women’s representation.
Nigeria’s Gender Representation Challenge
Despite Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, women remain significantly underrepresented in government. Currently, 15 states in Nigeria have no female representation in their state assemblies, while women occupy a mere 5.6% of legislative seats at the national level.
Drawing from successful models in Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa, speakers emphasized the effectiveness of special parliamentary seats for women in increasing representation. “We must learn from these models and tailor them to Nigeria’s unique context,” noted one of the campaign’s strategists.
A Call to Action
Campaign organizers urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill, stressing that legislative reform is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
As the campaign gains momentum, stakeholders are calling on civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector to support and fund this transformative movement. Nigerian women, armed with their voter currency, are ready to turn advocacy into electoral influence, ensuring their voices shape the nation’s governance.
With today’s launch, Nigeria takes a bold step toward rewriting history—one where women’s representation in governance is no longer an aspiration but a reality.
The Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign is not just a movement; it is a revolution for inclusivity, equity, and national progress.