In a bold call for gender inclusion in politics, more than 750 women from across Nigeria yesterday marched through Abuja to press for the passage of the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill, a proposed legislation aimed at boosting female participation in governance.
The women, drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), converged at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development before proceeding to Transcorp Hilton, where the public hearing on the bill was held. Their demand was simple but urgent: greater representation for women in Nigeria’s political system.
The Special Seats Bill seeks an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to allocate 10 percent of seats in the National Assembly exclusively to women, while also reserving five percent for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across all states and the FCT. Advocates say the bill is designed to correct Nigeria’s longstanding gender imbalance in politics, where women hold less than 10 percent of legislative positions.
Chief Executive Officer of Women Radio, Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, described the hearing as a defining moment for Nigerian democracy. She stressed that the initiative is about fairness and equity, not tokenism. “Today, Nigerian women are saying clearly: we are ready to lead, to serve, and to shape the future of our nation. The passage of this Bill will not only strengthen representation but also inspire the next generation of girls to believe that leadership truly belongs to them,” she said.
Also speaking, former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ms. Ene Obi, emphasized that women’s concerns go beyond self-interest. She praised the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other lawmakers for allowing the bill to reach the public hearing stage. “This bill will encourage women to bring in their issues, but it is not about them alone—it is about their children and equality for all. We are here, and we mean business,” Obi declared.
National President of the League of Women Voters, Mrs. Irene Awuna, highlighted the scale of public support behind the campaign. She revealed that over one million signatures, including endorsements from governors across the 36 states, had been collected in favor of the bill. According to her, this demonstrates that the movement is not only backed by civil society but has been embraced by ordinary Nigerian women.
Supporters of the bill argue that reserved seats would ensure women’s voices are no longer sidelined in governance. They point to global examples where affirmative action has strengthened democracy and development outcomes. For Nigeria, advocates believe the measure could transform decision-making by making it more inclusive, particularly on issues such as health, education, and child welfare, where women’s perspectives are critical.
The rally in Abuja, which organizers described as a peace walk, reflects the growing impatience of Nigerian women with the slow pace of constitutional reform. With lawmakers now faced with the responsibility of voting on the Special Seats Bill, campaigners insist the time has come for the National Assembly to act decisively and “make history” by ensuring women are no longer left behind in leadership.
