The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) celebrates the monumental courage, resilience, and unity of Nigerian women who came together in a massive solidarity march to the National Assembly in support of the Special Seats Bill. Today’s march wasn’t just a demonstration—it was a defining moment in the fight for gender equity and democratic inclusion.

This unprecedented movement highlights the undeniable truth: democracy cannot reach its full potential when half of its population is systematically underrepresented. Nigerian women have consistently been the backbone of nation-building, excelling across sectors from education to healthcare, entrepreneurship to public service. Yet, their representation in elective offices remains shockingly disproportionate, with women holding less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly.

The Special Seats Bill is not about favor or charity—it is about justice. It is a corrective tool to address decades of systemic imbalance and create pathways for inclusive governance. NAWOJ believes that passing this bill will signal a new era for Nigeria—a bold step toward equitable representation, where every voice matters regardless of gender.

Speaking on the march, Aishatu Ibrahim, National Chairperson of NAWOJ, stated: “This is a pivotal moment in our history. Nigerian women have shown today that they will no longer accept being sidelined in decision-making spaces. The Special Seats Bill is not just a demand—it is a necessity for our democracy to thrive. We call on lawmakers to act with courage and integrity to pass this bill and secure a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

The solidarity march was a masterclass in peaceful advocacy, with women from diverse backgrounds standing side by side to demand change. From grassroots leaders to professionals, activists to everyday citizens, the message was clear: women deserve a seat at the table.

Wasilah Ladan, National Secretary of NAWOJ, added:“This march is proof of the power of collective action. Women have raised their voices, and the nation is listening. But this is just the beginning. We urge women’s groups, civil society organizations, and allies to keep the momentum alive. Together, we will ensure that this bill becomes law.”

Lady Ejiro Umukoro, Convener of Africa and Global Women in Leadership, the Founder and President of LightRay! Media, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to pass the Special Seats Bill to boost women’s representation in governance. She drew inspiration from other countries that have successfully implemented similar frameworks, citing Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda as examples.

“Rwanda, for instance, has shown remarkable progress with women holding over 60% of seats in its lower house of parliament, thanks to constitutional quotas. Similarly, Senegal’s parity law led to a significant jump in women’s representation, from below 25% to over 40% in a single election cycle. These countries demonstrate that affirmative action can rapidly transform representation and ensure inclusive governance,” Lady Umukoro stated.

She also referenced South Africa’s approach, where the African National Congress voluntarily adopted a gender quota policy, resulting in women occupying over 40% of parliamentary seats. Uganda’s district women representatives model has also guaranteed a minimum level of women’s representation, pushing representation above 30% for several election cycles.

Lady Umukoro stressed that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive when half of its population remains underrepresented. “The Special Seats Bill is not just about numbers; it’s about securing women’s rightful place in governance and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes,” she emphasized.

A strong advocate for women’s agency and impact, she urged lawmakers to pass the bill without further delay, citing the country’s slow progress in women’s representation despite its democratic advancements. “We’ve waited for 65 years; it’s time to act. We need meaningful inclusion that reflects the voices of half of Nigeria’s population,” Lady Umukoro added.

As lawmakers deliberate on the Special Seats Bill, NAWOJ calls on them to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the future of Nigeria. Passing this bill will not only empower women but also strengthen democratic institutions and foster national development.

NAWOJ urges Nigerian women to remain steadfast and united. This movement must extend beyond today’s march—it must evolve into sustained advocacy, constructive engagement, and relentless pursuit of justice. History reminds us that every milestone in the fight for women’s rights was achieved through persistence and courage. This moment demands nothing less.

In a follow-up press statement, NAWOJ says, “We will not relent. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. The fight for equitable representation continues.”

Why The Special Seat Bill Matters

1. What specific provisions in the Special Seats Bill would ensure effective implementation and enforcement?
   The Special Seats Bill proposes creating additional seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, specifically reserved for women. These provisions include:
   • 37 additional seats in the Senate (one per state and the FCT).
   • 74 additional seats in the House of Representatives (two per state and the FCT).
   • 108 additional seats across State Houses of Assembly (three per state, corresponding to senatorial districts).
     These seats are temporary, with a sunset clause for review after 16 years or four election cycles. Women would contest these seats through elections, ensuring accountability and legitimacy, while still being eligible to contest other general seats. This dual system avoids creating a ceiling for women’s participation while guaranteeing minimum representation.
2. How can Nigerian women and civil society organizations sustain momentum for this advocacy effort?
   • Grassroots Mobilization: Women’s groups should continue to engage local communities, ensuring the message reaches rural and urban areas alike.
   • Media Advocacy: Amplify the importance of the bill through radio, TV, and social media campaigns, targeting lawmakers and public opinion.
   • Policy Dialogues: Host forums connecting lawmakers, civil society, and international stakeholders to address concerns and build bipartisan support.
   • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with international organizations and countries with successful gender quotas like Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda to share strategies and lessons learned.
3. What lessons can Nigeria learn from other countries’ experiences in implementing quota systems for women’s representation?
   • Rwanda: Women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats due to constitutional quotas, making it a global leader in gender representation.
   • Senegal: Its parity law boosted women’s representation from under 25% to over 40% within a year.
   • Uganda and Tanzania: Reserved seats for women have ensured consistent representation above 30% in their legislatures.
     These examples show that deliberate, legislative action can rapidly increase representation, normalize women’s leadership, and address systemic barriers.
     Combined Article

With women occupying less than 5% of seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly despite making up almost half of the population, the Special Seats Bill is a bold corrective measure. If passed, it would amend the 1999 Constitution to create 37 additional seats in the Senate, 74 in the House of Representatives, and 108 across State Houses of Assembly, exclusively for women. This temporary framework, set to be reviewed after 16 years, aims to address systemic exclusion and deepen Nigeria’s democratic inclusivity.

Beyond Numbers: A Fight for Democracy
The Special Seats Bill is more than a legislative proposal; it’s a fight to honor Nigeria’s democratic ideals. “This isn’t a favor to women—it’s a constitutional duty,” said Aishatu Ibrahim, NAWOJ Chairperson. “Democracy thrives when all voices are heard, and women deserve a seat at the table where decisions that shape their lives are made”.

Despite criticisms that reserved seats might promote tokenism or increase the cost of governance, advocates argue that the cost of women’s exclusion—missed policy opportunities and untapped leadership—far outweighs these concerns. The bill ensures that women contest these seats through elections, maintaining merit and legitimacy while guaranteeing minimum representation.

Sustaining the Momentum
As the 10th National Assembly prepares to vote, the stakes have never been higher. FIDA Nigeria and other civil society organizations continue to rally support through grassroots mobilization, media campaigns, and policy dialogues. “This is not the time for symbolic support. We must demand legislative action and ensure this bill becomes law before the 2027 elections,” said Eliana Martins, FIDA Nigeria’s National President.

A Call to Action
The Special Seats Bill is a chance for Nigeria to rewrite its democratic history. It’s an opportunity to build a nation where governance reflects the diversity and aspirations of all its people. As Lady Ejiro Umukoro aptly put it, “When you empower women, you empower a nation. The time to act is now”.

SpecialSeatsBill #WomenInLeadership #GenderEquality #NAWOJ