The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Enugu State Chapter, in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the League of Women Voters Nigeria, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and other women-focused organizations, has renewed its call for increased representation of women in governance.
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This advocacy was made during a courtesy visit to the Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji-River Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, in Enugu State.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Chairperson of FIDA, Enugu State Chapter, Mrs. Annie Enweani, highlighted the importance of the Special Seats Bill, also known as the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. She described the Bill as a proposed constitutional amendment designed to address the persistent gender imbalance in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
According to Mrs. Enweani, the Bill seeks to create additional seats for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, thereby promoting inclusiveness and ensuring more representative governance.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Ngozi Ngene, appealed to key stakeholders and the general public to support the passage of the Bill. She emphasized that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is a critical step toward achieving fair representation, fostering inclusion, and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
In his response, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu commended the groups for their advocacy and pledged his support toward facilitating the passage of the Bill, which is currently before the National Assembly. He described women as a formidable force with the capacity to excel in leadership and decision-making across all levels of governance.