NAWOJ Anambra rallies support for special seats bill, demands urgent passage to boost women’s representation
The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has declared firm support for the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) currently before the National Assembly.
NAWOJ described the bill as a critical step toward correcting gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political leadership.
NAWOJ gave the hint in a press release issued by its Chairperson, Tochukwu Ifejika, in Awka.
It aligned itself with the Nigeria Women Solidarity March held at the National Assembly in Abuja on February 16.
The March mobilized women groups across the country in support of the proposed legislation.
NAWOJ Anambra said the Special Seats Bill is not about privileges or token entitlements for women.
According to the association, it is about justice, fairness and structural reform to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
NAWOJ said the bill provides strategic framework to bridge the persistent gap in women’s representation in legislative bodies.
It insisted that continued women’s underrepresentation in legislature leads to democratic imbalance.
The group called for the urgent passage of the bill.
NAWOJ noted that the struggle for women’s political inclusion must extend to states and local government areas.
It described the advocacy for the Special Seats Bill as a structural solution to years of systemic exclusion.
The association urged stakeholders to treat the reform effort with the seriousness it deserves.
Inclusion helps democracy
“Democracy can truly thrive only when all strata of the population is duly represented in both its political leadership and decision-making processes,” the association stated.
NAWOJ Anambra observed that Nigerian women have demonstrated competence, resilience and leadership capacity across sectors traditionally dominated by men, often excelling in those spaces.
However, it lamented that this capacity has not been adequately reflected in the political arena.
The association argued that the limited representation amounts largely to tokenism rather than genuine inclusion.
As part of its advocacy, NAWOJ Anambra called on female lawmakers at the national, state and local government levels to champion the bill with commitment and urgency.
It also urged senators and members of the House of Representatives representing Anambra State to rise above stereotypes and vote in favour of the legislation without delay.
The group further appealed to the Anambra State House of Assembly to publicly endorse national efforts aimed at increasing women’s political participation.
It extended its call to political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and traditional institutions,.
NAWOJ also appealed to religious leaders and community stakeholders in Anambra to lend visible and vocal support to the reform.
“Inclusivity in governance strengthens accountability, enhances policy responsiveness, and accelerates socio-economic development and balance.
Empowerment of women in leadership is not a concession; it is a constitutional provision and a democratic imperative.”
NAWOJ promised to engage key stakeholders and lawmakers, and to educate the public on the bill through strategic media engagements.
It also promised to collaborate with women’s groups, youth organisations and civil society actors to amplify advocacy efforts.
The association pledged to sustain public discourse on the issue until meaningful legislative action is achieved.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy,” the association stated, adding that women across Anambra State and the nation are watching closely as lawmakers deliberate on the future of inclusive representation.
