Over 750 women rally in Abuja to demand reserved seats in legislature

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

More than 750 women from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, already in Abuja to push for the passage of the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill.

The women convened at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development before embarking on a peaceful march to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, where they planned to formally submit a memorandum to the National Assembly leadership.

Chair of the Women’s Political Participation–Technical Working Group (WPP–TWG), Ebere Ifendu, expressed firm resolve despite the ongoing National Assembly recess. “Though the legislators are on break, Nigerian women remain determined to present their memorandum. This peaceful walk is a powerful symbol of our unity and unwavering quest to secure women’s rightful place in governance,” she said.

Ifendu stressed the importance of the bill beyond mere numbers. “The Reserved Seats Bill is about much more than representation; it is about ensuring that the voices of Nigerian women are heard at every decision-making table, shaping policies that affect their lives,” she added.

Highlighting the crucial role of the press, she called on media stakeholders to continue their support. “The media has been a vital ally in our journey to promote this bill. At this critical juncture, we need their commitment even more to raise awareness and urge legislators to pass this transformative reform.”

The Special Seats Bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to guarantee reserved seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, thereby strengthening inclusive governance across Nigeria.