By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
A historic step towards women’s political inclusion was taken today as the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) officially launched the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign in Abuja.
This landmark initiative advocates for the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill and the implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action across all levels of government in Nigeria.
The event, which was a partnership between NAWOJ’s National Office and NILOWV, and supported by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution
saw a gathering of key stakeholders, political leaders, and gender advocates committed to driving women’s representation in governance.
In her opening remarks, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, reaffirmed the media’s unwavering commitment to amplifying the campaign’s message, stating, “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.”
Eminent dignitaries delivered goodwill messages in support of the initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for action over rhetoric. Among them, the President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura, and the Minister of Women Affairs, represented by Princess Jummai Idonije , echoed the call for policy reforms to ensure gender balance in governance.
Lending her voice to the movement, Hon. Princess Obiajulu, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, passionately urged stakeholders to move beyond promises and commit to concrete actions, stating, “We must shift from mere advocacy to real implementation. The time for inclusion is now.”
In further solidarity, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, assured that the FCT chapter would continue mobilizing female journalists to ensure sustained media coverage, public awareness, and grassroot engagement until the campaign’s goals are achieved.
The highlight of the event was the official launch and flag-off of the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign, signaling the beginning of grassroots mobilization across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
This campaign aims to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations in championing the inclusion of women in governance.
Advocates at the event emphasized that 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 governance.
Currently, about 15 states in Nigeria lack female representation in their state assemblies, and at the national level, women occupy a mere 5.6% of legislative seats.
Drawing from global best practices, speakers highlighted the successes of Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa, where special parliamentary seats for women have led to substantial increases in female representation. “We must learn from these models and tailor them to Nigeria’s unique context,” said one of the campaign’s strategists.
The campaign organizers urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill, stressing that this legislative reform is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. Additionally, the event underscored the power of grassroots mobilization, as NILOWV and NAWOJ pledged to take the campaign to communities, ensuring that women across the country are empowered with information and advocacy tools.
A United Front for Change: As the campaign gains momentum, stakeholders call 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 poised to translate advocacy into electoral influence, ensuring that their voices shape the nation’s governance. With today’s launch, Nigeria takes a bold step toward rewriting its 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.
