In a landmark event set to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have officially launched the Ward 2 Ward: Her Seat in Parliament and Governance Campaign.
The initiative, flagged off at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja, as gathered by WorldClass247News, aims to push for the 74 Special Seats Bill and the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in governance.
The campaign seeks to increase female representation from the local government level to the National Assembly, addressing the stark gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political space. Women currently make up only 5.6% of the National Assembly—a figure far below global standards.
Speaking at the event, NILOWV National President, Dr. Irene Awuna Ikhegh, emphasized that the movement is not just about increasing numbers but about ensuring women’s voices are heard in policymaking.
“This campaign is an urgent call for all stakeholders to ensure the inclusion of women at all levels of governance. We must leverage this constitutional review process to push for a fairer, more inclusive society,” she said.
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim, pledged that Nigerian women journalists would use their platforms to amplify the campaign’s message.
“As media professionals, we understand the power of the press and will employ our mediums to ensure this campaign succeeds,” she stated, urging women across the country to actively engage in the movement.
On her part, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Bassey Ita Ikpang, highlighted the critical role of grassroots mobilization.
“Our strength lies in mobilizing the grassroots. NAWOJ FCT is committed to using the influence of our members, both female and male journalists, to ensure that women’s representation is not just a dream, but a reality,” she said.
The event also received support from organizations such as the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, which expressed its readiness to back the campaign in its advocacy efforts across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Stakeholders at the event pointed to global examples, such as Rwanda and Tanzania, where the introduction of special seats for women has significantly boosted female participation in politics. These countries serve as models of what Nigeria can achieve through affirmative action policies.
With town hall meetings, engagements with traditional and religious leaders, and collaboration with civil society organizations planned as part of the campaign, the movement is set to gain momentum nationwide.
In a powerful call to action, Dr. Awuna Ikhegh urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize the Special Seats Bill.
“We call on the President to lend his voice in support of this bill, urging the National Assembly to prioritize it. This is not just a women’s issue, but a national issue that will shape the future of Nigeria,” she stated.