The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Enugu State Chapter, has declared its strong support for the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a critical step toward correcting the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Ngozi Ngene, and Secretary, Comrade Nnenna Igwe, the association said the proposed legislation represents a landmark effort to promote gender equity, inclusive governance, and democratic participation across the country.
NAWOJ noted that despite Nigerian women’s proven competence and leadership in sectors such as media, business, academia, civil society, and public service, their participation in elective political offices remains disproportionately low.
According to the association, the Special Seats Bill seeks to address this imbalance by providing additional legislative seats exclusively for women at both federal and state levels, thereby strengthening democratic representation and ensuring broader inclusion in governance.
The group emphasized that inclusive governance improves policy outcomes and accelerates national development, stressing that women’s representation should be regarded as a democratic necessity rather than a privilege.
NAWOJ Enugu further explained that temporary special measures, including reserved seats for women, are internationally recognized mechanisms for fast-tracking gender parity in political participation. It added that the passage of the bill would align Nigeria with global best practices and its international commitments, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with emphasis on Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Commending the sponsors and supporters of the bill for their courage and foresight, the association called on members of the National Assembly, political actors, civil society organizations, and the general public to rally behind what it described as a transformative piece of legislation.
The association also urged the media to intensify public enlightenment efforts on the importance of women’s political inclusion and to counter misinformation surrounding the bill.
Specifically, NAWOJ Enugu appealed to Enugu State and federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, market unions, presidents of town unions, and other relevant stakeholders to support the bill when it comes up for deliberation at the National Assembly.
“As journalists and advocates, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of women and championing policies that promote equity, justice, and national progress,” the statement read.
The association concluded that the passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) would mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more representative and equitable governance structure.