Women Journalists demand passage of Special Seat Bill to strengthen Female political representation in Nigeria

Women journalists from across Nigeria have renewed their call for the swift passage of the Special Seat Bill, describing it as a vital tool for promoting inclusive governance and fair political participation for women.

The demand was made during the Fit for Inclusion programme held in Abuja — a collaborative initiative between the Women in Media Development Initiative (WIMDI), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter, and Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI). The event combined advocacy sessions with wellness activities aimed at empowering female media professionals and amplifying their voice in championing gender-sensitive reforms.

Speakers at the event stressed the urgent need for the National Assembly to pass the Special Seat Bill, co-sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 12 other lawmakers. The bill seeks to amend the constitution to reserve designated seats for women in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.

“Women remain politically marginalized. A woman understands the daily realities other women face, and this bill isn’t just a favour—it’s a corrective action against a long-standing structural imbalance,” one speaker remarked.

The gathering emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilisation and public sensitisation in driving support for the bill. “This shouldn’t be seen as ‘women’s seats,’ but as a democratic necessity. Advocacy must start from the grassroots, not just at the top,” participants noted.

In her remarks, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, urged journalists to embrace responsible, issue-based reporting and stop framing women leaders solely through their gender. “Let’s focus on competence, integrity, and the value women bring to the table,” she said.

She also dismissed the narrative that women do not support one another, calling for genuine solidarity and intentional support systems among women.

Adaora Sydney Jack, Executive Director of GSAI and a former political aspirant, shared her personal political journey, highlighting the immense barriers women face when seeking public office. “You cannot fix a broken system from the outside. We need more women inside the room — even if that room is still broken,” she declared.

Jack lamented the low female representation in the National Assembly, noting that with only 3 women in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives, meaningful influence was difficult to achieve. “This bill isn’t just for elite women; it’s for the marginalized, women with disabilities, young women, and those whose voices remain unheard,” she added.

Veteran journalist Lara Owoeye-Wise called for a united digital media campaign to drive awareness. “If every NAWOJ member and ally uses their platforms to talk about this bill, our collective voice will push it through—for our daughters and for the future,” she said.

Also speaking, Osasu Oguche, founder of TOS Group, reminded participants that politics is essentially about decision-making, and Nigerian women must no longer be left out. “Even if you’re not running for office, add your voice. Let’s open up the space for those capable of leading. We owe this to Nigeria,” she stated.

The event concluded with a unified call for intensified media advocacy, sustained grassroots enlightenment, and strategic engagement with lawmakers to ensure that the Special Seat Bill passes into law, guaranteeing that women’s voices are fully represented in Nigeria’s democratic space.