In a formal advocacy letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, NAWOJ said the proposed legislation represents a significant step toward addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
The letter, signed by the Acting Chairperson of the association, Oluwatoyin Adegoke, noted that NAWOJ had joined other women’s groups across the country to mobilise support for the Nigeria Women Solidarity March advocating for the passage of the Special Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria.
Adegoke stated that the bill seeks to provide a constitutional mechanism that would create special legislative seats for women, thereby addressing structural barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in governance.
She explained that women’s marginal representation in legislative bodies is not a reflection of a lack of competence but rather the outcome of long-standing systemic challenges that require deliberate legislative intervention.
“Nigeria’s democratic framework remains incomplete when half of its population is structurally excluded from decision-making spaces. Women’s marginal representation in legislative bodies is not a reflection of capacity but the result of entrenched systemic barriers that require deliberate and corrective legislative action,” Adegoke stated.
The NAWOJ leader further described the Special Seats Bill as a necessary reform that would help restore balance and credibility to Nigeria’s democratic system.
According to her, state legislatures play a critical role in constitutional amendment processes and can demonstrate leadership by supporting gender-responsive policies and advocating for inclusive representation.
“State Houses of Assembly are not only key stakeholders in constitutional amendment processes but are also positioned to demonstrate leadership by endorsing gender-responsive policies and advocating inclusive representation,” she added.
Adegoke therefore urged the Speaker and members of the Assembly to lend their voices to the advocacy by supporting resolutions and engagements that promote women’s political inclusion in governance.
She assured that the advocacy campaign by NAWOJ and its partners would remain peaceful, lawful, and focused on promoting justice, equity, and sustainable democratic development across the country.
