Women’s political leaders and gender-rights advocates across Nigeria have stepped up demands for the passage of the Special Seats Bill a proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee increased representation for women in the National and State Assemblies.
At a recent stakeholders’ roundtable titled “Countdown to the Vote on the Special Seats Bill” held in Abuja, participants described the current low numbers of female lawmakers as unacceptable. They argued that without structural reform, Nigeria’s democracy remains fundamentally unbalanced.
Speakers at the event including former and current women leaders, civil-society groups, and activists urged the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria (NASS) to act swiftly, warning that failure to pass the bill would amount to a serious misstep in this session’s constitutional amendment cycle.
Supporters said the bill would not only improve gender equity but also strengthen policy-making especially around issues that disproportionately affect women, such as health, education, and social welfare.
Given broad support from governors, civil society and even international bodies, many see this moment as a defining opportunity for Nigeria and the women’s movement is mobilising hard to make sure it delivers.
