The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has expressed strong support for the ongoing campaign by the Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOWV) to push for the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, popularly referred to as the ‘Her Seat Parliament’ initiative.
The endorsement came on the sidelines of the 2025 National Conference of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria held in Abuja, where the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and gender-responsive reforms.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said, “Inclusive governance and gender equality are not optional aspirations; they are necessary conditions for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.” She noted that the Reserved Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of gender equity in political representation.
She added, “The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is not an act of benevolence — it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s democratic strength and collective progress.” While highlighting ongoing reforms by the Ministry to mainstream gender considerations at all levels, she stressed that “policies alone are not enough unless they translate into measurable outcomes that reach women where they are, in every community across all 774 local government areas.”
The Minister commended stakeholders like NILOWV and NAWOJ for sustaining public advocacy around women’s political inclusion, noting that their interventions continue to shape public sentiment and legislative engagement on gender representation.
President of NILOWV, Honourable Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, said the League had been at the forefront of amplifying women’s voices in national affairs, adding that its campaign for the Reserved Seats Bill had mobilised massive grassroots support across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
“It was resolved that the League would do nothing else but amplify the Bills at the National Assembly,” Awunah-Ikyegh said. “We launched our ‘Her Seats in Parliament’ campaign in February and secured the buy-in of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and key stakeholders. We also gathered over 1.2 million signatures and presented them during the National Public Hearing.”
Continuing in her goodwill message, NAWOJ National President, Aishatu Ibrahim Kwaya Bura, aligned the association with NILOWV’s advocacy efforts, saying NAWOJ would continue to use its platforms to amplify public support for women-centred legislation.
She said, “Women’s votes and voices must go beyond election day; they must shape politic at discourse, influence governance, and hold leaders accountable.”
She further noted that solidarity among women’s groups remains critical to influencing political outcomes, adding, “When women unite around a shared vision of justice and progress, transformation becomes inevitable, and democracy becomes stronger.”
On his part,Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers
HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, represented by DanMasani Raba Nupe,
Dr.Muhammad Kudu Abubakar..while recognizing the critical roles of women in building progressive governance, pledged the support of traditional rulers in advocating speedy passage of reserve seat bill.
Other Dignitaries who took turns to make their goodwill presentation includes, Director General,National Center for Women Development Center,Hajia Asabe Vilita Bashir ,The First Lady if Kwara State and Chairperson
Of Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum AMB PROF. OLUFOLAKE ABDULRAZAQ
Represented by: Barrister Hauwa Halira,The Chairman of l NIDCOM,Hon.Abike Dabiri Erewa among others dignitaries
The theme of the conference is “the power of women voices and votes:A critical tool for Electoral victory
Comrade Nkiruka Okeke
Secretary NAWOJ FCT