Women Journalist Demand Political Space: Push for Special Seat Bill Gains Momentum.
By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria Association of Women Journalist ( NAWOJ) has issued a resounding call for the urgent passage of the Special Seat Bill—legislation designed to guarantee increased female representation in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
At the heart of this renewed advocacy is the Fit for Inclusion programme, held in Abuja, a collaborative effort by the Women in Media Development Initiative (WIMDI), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, and Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI). The event fused wellness and advocacy to empower women in media and amplify their influence on gender-sensitive reforms.
The journalists and gender advocates who gathered at the event stressed that the Special Seat Bill, co-sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 12 other legislators, is more than just a legislative proposal—it is a corrective measure for decades of structural imbalance in Nigeria’s political system.
“Women are politically marginalized. A woman understands the challenges women face. This bill is not just a political tool—it is a corrective mechanism,” one speaker declared.
Nigeria’s dismal statistics on female representation served as a grim backdrop to the discussion: currently, only 3 out of 109 senators and 15 out of 360 members of the House of Representatives are women. Stakeholders warned that without legislative intervention, meaningful representation will remain elusive.
Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, called on media professionals to wield their platforms more responsibly by prioritizing issue-based journalism and shifting public perception.
“Let’s stop viewing women leaders through the lens of gender alone. Women journalists must do more to educate voters—especially at the grassroots—on why this Bill matters.”
The importance of grassroots advocacy was a recurring theme throughout the programme. Rather than seeing the proposed gender quotas as preferential treatment, speakers urged the public to see them as democratic necessity.
“We must stop seeing it as ‘women’s seats’ and instead as a democratic imperative,” a participant said. “This campaign must start from the bottom-up.”
Adaora Sydney Jack, Executive Director of GSAI and a former political candidate, gave a personal account of her journey through Nigeria’s political terrain—one riddled with systemic hurdles.
“Until I ran for office, I never understood the real barriers. Without numbers, there’s no negotiation power. This Bill is for all women—especially the marginalized, youth, and those living with disabilities.”
Veteran journalist Lara Owoeye-Wise urged a united digital push to build awareness, stressing the role of every journalist in spreading the message.
“Let every NAWOJ member use their voice—online, on-air, everywhere. If the Bill passes, it will be because we were united—for our daughters, for our future.”
Osasu Oguche, founder of TOS Group, reinforced the urgency of the moment.
“Even if you’re not contesting, you must add your voice. We owe it to Nigeria to ensure qualified women can access power.”
As the Fit for Inclusion programme wrapped up, one message stood clear: without women, Nigeria’s democracy is incomplete. Passing the Special Seat Bill would not only expand representation—it would reshape the nation’s political future.
