Women Empowerment Takes Center Stage as NAWOJ and NILOW Launch a Nation-Wide Campaign for “Her Seat in Parliament”.

By Raymond Enoch

In a historic gathering poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) launched a groundbreaking advocacy campaign aimed at ensuring greater female representation in governance.

The event, held at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), marked the official flag-off of the “Ward 2 Ward: Her Seat in Parliament and Governance Campaign.” The campaign advocates for the 74 special seats bill and the 35% affirmative action for women, spanning from local government to the national level.

Hon. Dr. Irene Awuna Ikhegh, the National President of NILOWV, emphasized the campaign’s significance in advancing women’s political participation. She stressed that the movement is not solely about increasing women’s numbers in governance but creating a society where women’s voices are genuinely heard in policy-making processes. She called on all stakeholders to leverage the current constitutional review to push for a more inclusive and fair society.

“This campaign is an urgent call for all stakeholders to ensure the inclusion of women at all levels of governance. We must leverage this constitutional review process to push for a fairer, more inclusive society,” Dr. Awuna Ikhegh remarked.

Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of NAWOJ, also spoke, reassuring participants that Nigerian women journalists would use their platforms to amplify the voices of women. She expressed confidence that the media’s influence would ensure the campaign’s success, urging all women to actively participate.

The event saw the presence of several influential figures and organizations that pledged their unwavering support for the cause. Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, was represented by her senior aide, Princess Jumai Idonije. Princess Edna Azura, President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), and Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Secretary of the Women’s Mandate in the Federal Capital Territory, also attended, underscoring the need for collaboration to advocate for women’s rights.

Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, expressed her commitment to mobilizing grassroots support. She stressed the importance of rallying both female and male journalists in the FCT to turn women’s representation in governance into a reality.

“The strength of NAWOJ FCT lies in mobilizing the grassroots. We are committed to using our members’ influence to ensure that women’s representation is not just a dream but a reality,” said Comrade Ikpang.

The initiative, which will unfold across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, aims to sensitize citizens about the need for special seats in Parliament for women and the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action. It seeks to combat Nigeria’s dismal gender representation in governance—currently, women make up only 5.6% of Nigeria’s National Assembly.

Globally, countries like Rwanda and Tanzania have set exemplary standards by introducing special seats for women, significantly boosting female political participation. These examples stand as models for what can be achieved through affirmative action.

The central message of the day was a call to action for Nigerian women to be empowered politically, socially, and economically to ensure the nation’s full potential is realized. As the campaign gains momentum, it will include town hall meetings, engagement with traditional and religious leaders, and outreach to civil society organizations to join the fight for women’s empowerment.

Hon. Dr. Awuna Ikhegh concluded her Statement with a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly:

“We call on the President to lend his voice in support of this bill, urging the National Assembly to prioritize it. This is not just a women’s issue, but a national issue that will shape the future of Nigeria.”

With the backing of civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, and key political figures, the Ward 2 Ward: Her Seat in Parliament and Governance Campaign represents a crucial step for Nigerian women to claim their rightful place in the political sphere. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic evolution—one where women will no longer remain sidelined but will stand at the forefront, shaping policies that affect every Nigerian.