By Stella Oko-Esene
In a historic move towards women’s political inclusion, 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 groundbreaking 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 campaign launch brought together key stakeholders, political leaders, and gender advocates committed to driving women’s representation in governance. NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, emphasized the media’s crucial role in amplifying the campaign’s message, ensuring that Nigerian women’s voices are heard.
Eminent dignitaries, including the President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and the Minister of Women Affairs, delivered goodwill messages in support of the initiative. They stressed the urgent need for policy reforms to ensure gender balance in governance.
Hon. Princess Obiajulu, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, passionately urged stakeholders to move beyond promises and commit to concrete actions. “We must shift from mere advocacy to real implementation. The time for inclusion is now.”
The campaign aims to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations in championing the inclusion of women in governance. With Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks like 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. The campaign draws inspiration from global best practices, such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa, where special parliamentary seats for women have led to substantial increases in female representation.
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.
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.
