By Stellamaries Amuwa
Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and women from different groups on Thursday gathered and staged solidarity march to the National Assembly, in Abuja, displaying banners and placards calling on the Senate and House of Representatives to support the proposed Special Seats Bill, which they described as a critical step toward inclusive governance and democratic representation.
The women urged the legislators to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women, a constitutional amendment designed to increase female representation in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
The rally, organised by CSOs and supporters under the aegis of He4She movement and women’s rights groups, visited the National Assembly complex ahead of the consideration of the Bill.
According to the Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Gender, Yesinde Olasimbo, the bill is a source of hope for young women and youths aspiring to participate in politics and governance.
“This bill was introduced in the 9th Assembly and failed, but this is the first time the momentum has been built to this level. The older women gave us wings to fly and made sure we saw it through to the end.
“It gives me hope knowing that Nigeria is going to open the doors for youths to be able to contest elections and win, and it gives me hope knowing that young women like us are not left behind.”
Similarly, a human rights activist and a member of the Civil Society Situation Room and the Women Political Participation Technical Working Group, Ene Obi, also stressed the importance of civic and political education in strengthening democracy.
“Political education is lacking in Nigeria. INEC, the National Orientation Agency and political parties need to do more to educate citizens. When people feel their votes do not count, it discourages participation and weakens democracy. “
She described the Special Seats Bill as the outcome of years of advocacy, coalition-building and engagement with stakeholders.
“If the bill passes, it will be a celebration for Nigerian women. A lot of work, coalition-building and advocacy have gone into this effort. We will appreciate the National Assembly for recognising women and opening new opportunities ahead of 2027 election season,” she added.
Meanwhile, President of National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS),
Princess Edna Azura, stated that she was optimistic that the Bill would be passed, and that it would help fair representation for women in Nigeria’s political space.
“I’m positive that the Bill will be passed and women will get the representation they deserve,” she stressed.
On her part, the National President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Irene Mngupado Awunah-Ikyegh, said the proposed legislation would mark a major milestone for democratic inclusion in Nigeria and across Africa.
“If this bill is passed, it will mean something great has happened in Nigeria and Africa. It will show that Nigeria’s democracy is becoming more inclusive, and we are here to encourage lawmakers to support it,” Awunah-Ikyegh said.
A cross section of women interviewed by our Correspondent, appealed to members of the Senate and House of Representative to, as a matter of urgency consider passing the Bill so that women can have easy access to leadership positions, especially elective positions at the decision making levels.
