Women groups demand passage of special seats bill

A coalition of Nigerian women groups under the auspices of Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILWV) yesterday submitted petitions gathered from across the country to the National Assembly, demanding the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women to boost inclusive governance. The coalition, which said it has representation across all 360 federal constituencies, […]

A coalition of Nigerian women groups under the auspices of Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILWV) yesterday submitted petitions gathered from across the country to the National Assembly, demanding the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women to boost inclusive governance.

The coalition, which said it has representation across all 360 federal constituencies, presented the petitions in Abuja after a three-week nationwide mobilisation targeting lawmakers in their constituencies.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its president, Irene Awunah Ikyegh said the petitions were submitted to constituency offices and residences of members of the House of Representatives, with some lawmakers receiving them personally, while others were absent.

She explained that the visit to the National Assembly was to submit outstanding copies and acknowledgment slips from those earlier received.

Reading from the petition, Ikyegh said the demand was anchored on constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom from discrimination and the right of citizens to participate in governance.

 

She said despite women constituting about half of Nigeria’s population and playing critical roles in national development, they remain grossly underrepresented in political offices.

 

Also speaking, President of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura urged members of the National Assembly to pass the special seats bill for inclusion of more women in the legislative arm.