NAWOJ, NILOWV Rally Support For Reserved Seats Bill
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to bridge the gender gap in political representation, women’s groups are joining forces to push for a historic shift in governance.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOWV) in advocating the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, popularly known as the “Her Seat Parliament” initiative.
Their joint commitment was reaffirmed at the 2025 National Conference of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, held in Abuja, with the theme “The Power of Women’s Voices and Votes: A Critical Tool for Electoral Victory.”
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in her address, described inclusive governance and gender equality as “necessary conditions for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.”
She said the Reserved Seats Bill before the National Assembly represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s quest for gender equity.
“This Bill is not an act of benevolence, it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s democratic strength and collective progress,” the Minister said, while commending NAWOJ and NILOWV for sustaining advocacy on women’s political inclusion.
NILOWV President, Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, revealed that the League has mobilised support for the Bill across the country’s 774 local government areas, securing over 1.2 million signatures which were presented at the National Public Hearing.
Similarly, NAWOJ National President, Aishatu Ibrahim Kwaya Bura, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to amplifying women-centred legislation, noting that “women’s votes and voices must go beyond election day, they must shape political discourse, influence governance, and hold leaders accountable.”
Traditional institutions also lent their voice, as the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, represented by Dr Muhammad Kudu Abubakar, pledged the support of traditional rulers towards the Bill’s speedy passage.
Other dignitaries present included the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development, Hajia Asabe Vilita Bashir; the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq (represented by Barr. Hauwa Halira); and the Chairman of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The growing momentum behind the Her Seat Parliament campaign signals renewed hope that Nigeria may finally institutionalise gender inclusion, not as a favour, but as a foundation for democratic balance.
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