- The organisation embarked on an extensive sensitisation campaign across communities
- women to overcome fear, intimidation, and financial barriers in contesting political offices
- lawmakers to enact the Reserve Seats Bill to promote equality and strengthen democracy
No fewer than 36,000 women in Bauchi State have appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Reserve Seats Bill , which seeks to improve women’s participation in governance across Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the women, under the Nigerian League of Women Voters, presented their signatures to the House of Representatives, showing overwhelming support for the proposed legislation.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Senate Moves to Counter ‘False Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria
- Portable Calls on Government to Ban Prank Videos Following Airport Altercation
- West African Insurers Gather in Lagos to Tackle Climate Risks
According to Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, Chairperson of the League, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Monday, the organisation embarked on an extensive sensitisation campaign across communities to raise awareness about women’s inclusion in leadership.
Mohammed said the consultations gained broad acceptance among men and youths who endorsed the demand for women’s reserved seats. “We conducted town hall meetings to raise awareness on women’s political participation, and the clarion call made an impact,” she stated.
She added that the group participated in the National Assembly’s public hearings and submitted thousands of signatures in support of the bill. The League also encouraged women to overcome fear, intimidation, and financial barriers in contesting political offices, especially at the grassroots level.
“Religion and tradition remain challenges,” she noted, “but experts have continued to shed light on these issues, urging women to stay engaged.” Mohammed stressed that women constitute a larger percentage of voters and have played crucial roles in Nigeria’s democratic development.
In Jigawa and Gombe States, women activists echoed similar sentiments. Balaraba Abdullahi, Chairperson of the Jigawa Women Consultative Forum, urged the government to reserve elective positions for women to end gender inequality and marginalisation.
She encouraged women to leverage their numerical strength, unite, and support one another, saying envy and division among women often hinder progress.
Political analyst Mustapha Yunusa from Gombe described the Reserve Seats Bill as “a critical step toward addressing women’s underrepresentation in governance.”
Yunusa cited pioneers like Margaret Ekpo, Gambo Sawaba, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who championed women’s political inclusion, lamenting that their legacies have not been fully built upon.
He condemned the rejection of gender bills by the National Assembly in 2022, including the 35 percent affirmative action proposal, and urged lawmakers to enact the Reserve Seats Bill to promote equality and strengthen democracy.
FURTHER READING
- 2027: PDP Has Lost National Relevance – Atiku’s Aide
- Trump Gives Hamas Ultimatum on Gaza Peace Plan
- The Past Is Gone, I Forgive and Move On – Jonathan
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF THE WEEK
