Women Leaders Renew Push for Reserved Seats in Parliament

Women leaders, civil society groups and development partners have renewed calls for the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill, describing it as crucial to advancing gender balance in governance. The appeal was made in Abuja during the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards, convened by Women Radio, which brought together government officials, grassroots advocates and traditional leaders.

Convener Toun Sonaiya emphasised that although women hold the largest share of permanent voter cards, their influence is often curtailed. She urged Nigerian women to unite across political, ethnic and religious lines to convert their electoral strength into collective political power.

Also Read: Over 700 Women Mobilise for Reserved Seats Bill

Currently, women occupy fewer than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly. The proposed legislation seeks to introduce reserved seats for women at national and state levels for four election cycles as a corrective measure.