By Queen Kunde
In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, leading women-focused organizations—the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and other key partners—have launched a nationwide advocacy campaign to galvanize support for the Special Seats Bill for women in parliament, currently before the 10th National Assembly.
At a media parley held in Abuja, the National President of NILOWV, Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, emphasized the urgent need to correct the persistent gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political space. She stated that the bill, if passed, would allocate 74 reserved elective seats for women across the National and State Assemblies, a legislative intervention designed to foster inclusive governance and deepen democracy.
“This bill is not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that Nigerian women have a seat at the table where national decisions are made,” Awunah-Ikyegh declared. “We are mobilizing massively, especially at the grassroots, because that’s where the votes are. This bill must not suffer the fate of similar bills that were thrown out in the past.”
Awunah-Ikyegh noted that the Special Seats Bill proposes a 16-year period for implementation, giving women the space and support needed to attain political equality. She called on Nigerian women to actively participate in the advocacy, raise questions, and engage with lawmakers ahead of the public hearing slated for July 2025.
Backing the push, Comrade Chizoba Ogbeche, National Vice President (Zone D) of NAWOJ, speaking on behalf of NAWOJ Chairperson Aisha Ibrahim, affirmed the media’s commitment to sustained advocacy for the bill.
“This bill benefits everyone—it’s not just a women’s issue,” Ogbeche said. “NAWOJ is leveraging its presence across all 36 states to amplify the message and ensure public buy-in. The media will not rest until this bill becomes law.”
Evelyn Ugbe of RACE Africa addressed a growing misconception that the bill would serve only elite women, clarifying that it is designed to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of women and girls across all societal levels.
Angelina Ugben, CEO of Inclusive Skills Initiative, echoed the sentiment, stating, “This bill guarantees broader participation and equitable representation for women in governance, and is a key step toward national development.”
Supported by UN Women, NILOWV and its partners are now focused on mobilizing communities, educating citizens on the bill’s benefits, and urging lawmakers to back the proposed legislation.
With just weeks to go before the National Assembly’s public hearing, the coalition is intensifying efforts to ensure the bill makes it across the finish line. The call is clear: the time has come for Nigerian women to rise, vote, and lead.
“Where policy fails, legislation can correct injustice,” Awunah-Ikyegh said. “This bill is Nigeria’s opportunity to finally get it right.”
Discussion about this post