In a historic gathering that could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have launched a groundbreaking advocacy campaign aimed at ensuring greater female representation in governance in Nigeria.
The event, held at Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution ( IPCR) attended by key stakeholders, marked the official flag-off of the “Ward 2 Ward: Her Seat in Parliament and Governance Campaign,” aimed at pushing for the 74 special seats bill and 35% affirmative action for women from local government to the national level.
Hon. Dr. Irene Awuna Ikhegh, the National President of NILOWV, in her address, highlighted the importance of the campaign in advancing women’s political participation. She emphasized that this movement is not just about increasing women’s numbers in governance, but about creating a society where women’s voices are truly heard in policy-making processes.
“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 said.
Also speaking, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, assured the participants that Nigerian women journalists would use their platforms to amplify the voices of women, ensuring that the campaign gains the momentum it deserves. “As media professionals, we understand the power of the press and will employ our mediums to ensure this campaign succeeds,” she stated with confidence, urging all women to actively participate in the process.
The event was further bolstered by the attendance of influential and high profile stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who was represented by her senior aide, Princess Jumai Idonije, the President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura and the Secretary of the Women’s Mandate in the Federal Capital Territory, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi.
These figures pledged their unwavering support for the initiative, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advocating for women’s rights in Nigeria.
Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT chapter, pledged to rally grassroots support, leveraging the power of female journalists and male allies in the FCT.
“Our strength lies in mobilizing the grassroots. NAWOJ FCT is committed to using the influence of our members, both female and male journalists, to ensure that women’s representation is not just a dream, but a reality,” she said.
The event also included strong messages of support from organizations such as the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, which expressed its commitment to supporting the campaign in all its endeavors.
The initiative, which will unfold across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, aims to sensitize citizens on the need for special seats in Parliament for women and the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action.
The stakeholders took the opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s lagging gender representation in governance, with recent statistics revealing that women make up a mere 5.6% of Nigeria’s National Assembly. This stark figure stands in contrast to global examples, such as Rwanda and Tanzania, where the introduction of special seats for women has significantly boosted female participation in politics. Both countries serve as beacons of hope for what can be achieved through affirmative action policies.
The key message of the day was a call to action: it is time for Nigerian women to be empowered, not just politically, but socially and economically, to ensure the nation achieves its full potential. As women across the country mobilize for this cause, the campaign will focus on town hall meetings, engaging traditional and religious leaders, and reaching out to civil society organizations to join in the fight for women’s empowerment.
As Hon. Dr. Awuna Ikhegh concluded her speech, she made 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 pivotal moment for women in Nigeria, as they rise up to claim their rightful place in the political sphere.
The next chapter in Nigeria’s democratic evolution is one where women will no longer remain sidelined but will stand at the forefront of governance, shaping policies that impact every Nigerian.
