Women Journalists Rally Support For Special Seat Bill To End Political Marginalisation
In a powerful show of unity and purpose, women journalists in Nigeria have renewed their call for the urgent passage of the Special Seat Bill, describing it as essential to correcting decades of gender imbalance in political leadership.
The call came during the Fit for Inclusion programme held in Abuja—an energising blend of advocacy and wellness—organised by the Women in Media Development Initiative (WIMDI) in partnership with NAWOJ FCT Chapter and Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI).
At the heart of discussions was the Bill—co-sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 12 others—which proposes constitutional amendments to create reserved seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.
> “Women are politically marginalised,” one speaker noted. “This bill is not just a political tool—it is a corrective mechanism for structural imbalance.”
The event also spotlighted the need for grassroots advocacy, with participants urging communities and media to push back against the narrative that these are “women’s seats”, calling instead for a democratic lens focused on equity and inclusion.
Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, challenged journalists to go beyond surface-level reporting:
> “Let’s stop viewing women leaders through the lens of gender alone. Let’s highlight what they bring to the table. Women journalists must lead in educating voters, especially at the grassroots, on why this Bill matters.”
She also stressed the need to end the myth that women do not support each other:
> “We must feel, think, and speak solidarity.”
Adaora Sydney Jack, GSAI’s Executive Director and a former political candidate, drew from her own experience:
> “You can’t fix the system from the outside. We need more women in the room—even if the room is broken.”
With only 3 women senators and 15 female members out of 360 in the House of Representatives, she warned that real influence is nearly impossible without numbers.
> “This Bill must not be seen as a privilege for elite women. It is a gateway—especially for women living with disabilities, young women, and those in underserved communities.”
Veteran journalist Lara Owoeye-Wise called for a coordinated digital campaign, urging every NAWOJ member to use their platform:
> “If the Bill passes, it will be because our voices were united—for our daughters, for our future.”
Osasu Oguche, founder of TOS Group, reminded attendees that politics is about decision-making, not just campaigning:
> “Even if you’re not running, speak up. Add your voice. We must open the doors for capable women to lead.”
The Fit for Inclusion programme closed with a unified message: to shift Nigeria’s democracy forward, media advocacy, community education, and political will must align to pass the Special Seat Bill and make gender equity not just an ideal—but a reality.
