NAWOJ and NILOWV Launch a Nation-wide Groundbreaking Campaign for Special Seats in Parliament
By Raymond Enoch
In a historic move that could reshape the future of Nigerian politics, 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 today in Abuja.
The initiative, which is a call for greater political inclusion and representation of women in governance, also advocates for the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill and the implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action at all levels of government.
The event, supported by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, attracted prominent political leaders, gender advocates, and key stakeholders committed to transforming the political landscape for women.
In a conference room filled with energy and optimism, the clarion call for increased female representation was very loud and clear with sound message.
Speaking at the launch, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, emphasized the crucial role of the media in driving the campaign’s message.
She reassured the audience that the media would continue to play an instrumental role in amplifying women’s voices, ensuring the campaign garners momentum and national support. “The media will remain a strong ally in ensuring the voices of Nigerian women are heard and that this campaign gains the momentum it deserves,” she said.
The event also saw heartfelt goodwill messages from influential dignitaries. Princess Edna Azura, President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and Princess Jummai Idonije, who represented the Minister of Women Affairs, both underscored the need for policy reforms that go beyond rhetoric to make gender parity in governance a reality.
Hon. Princess Obiajulu, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, passionately echoed the same sentiment, stating, “We must shift from mere advocacy to real implementation. The time for inclusion is now.” The resounding message was clear: the time for promises was over; it was now time for action.
Perhaps the most significant moment of the day came with the official flag-off of the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign. This marks the beginning of a nationwide mobilization across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, aimed at engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations in the push for women’s inclusion in governance.
The campaign highlights the urgent need for change, with advocates pointing out that despite Nigeria’s international commitments to frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), women remain vastly underrepresented in governance. Currently, only 5.6% of legislative seats are occupied by women at the national level, and 15 states in Nigeria have no female representation in their state assemblies.
International examples were also presented, with speakers drawing lessons from Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa, where special parliamentary seats for women have resulted in significant increases in female political representation. “We must learn from these models and tailor them to Nigeria’s unique context,” said one of the campaign’s strategists.
The clarion call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill resonated throughout the room. This legislative reform is seen as a critical step in ensuring gender balance and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. NILOWV and NAWOJ vowed to take the campaign directly to the people, particularly in grassroots communities, to empower Nigerian women with the tools and information necessary to push for change.
The day’s events culminated in a united call to action, urging civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector to rally behind this transformative movement. As Nigerian women prepare to take their rightful place in governance, the campaign’s organizers are confident that their voices will no longer be ignored. The power of women’s voter currency will soon translate into real political influence, altering the country’s political dynamics for the better.
With the launch of the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign, Nigeria takes a bold step forward, embarking on a journey toward a future where women’s representation is not just an aspiration but a reality. The movement, which is gaining momentum by the day, promises to be a revolution in the fight for inclusivity, equity, and national progress.
