By: ESTHER AKAA
The Nasarawa State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has teamed up with the Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOVW), Federation of Female Lawyers ( FIDA), and other advocacy groups to push for reserved legislative seats for women at both state and national levels.
The women groups delivered a formal petition urging Hon Abubakar Sarki Dahiru representing Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency to back the speedily passage of the proposed bill seeking to create 72 special seats for women in Nigeria’s legislative houses.
Speaking during the visit to the lawmaker’s office in Lafia on Tuesday, the group’s Spokesperson, Hon Mary Enwongulu said the bill if passed will address the long-standing gender imbalance within the country’s governance structures.
Hon Enwongulu, a former lawmaker in the State emphasised that the bill is a necessary intervention to dismantle structural barriers that have historically hindered women from achieving leadership positions, despite making up nearly half of the Nigerian population.
”The proposed 72-seat bill is not about privilege; it is about equity, fairness, and inclusion. It is about creating a level playing field where women can contribute meaningfully to nation-building, policy formulation, and community development.”
She further noted that the current level of female representation is not a reflection of a lack of competence, but rather a result of system challenges that the bill seeks to rectify.
The former lawmaker expressed serious concern over the delays surrounding the bill’s passage.
Enwongulu argued that the exclusion of women from decision-making directly impacts the quality of policy regarding family welfare, education, and healthcare.
”Today, we are concerned about the non-passage of this bill. Its delay continues to deny women the opportunity to fully participate in governance. We believe that empowering women politically will lead to better representation of issues affecting families, children, healthcare, education, and community welfare,” she added.
The group formally presented a set of requests to Hon Dahiru, urging him to use his influential voice within the Green Chamber to champion the cause.
she challenged lawmakers to consider their legacies regarding social justice.
”Honourable Member, history will remember those who stood for justice, equality, and progress. We urge you to stand with us. Together, we can build a Nasarawa State and a Nigeria where women are not just seen, but heard; not just included, but empowered,” she said.
Receiving the petition, Jabiru El-Muazu, Senior Legislative Aide ( SLA) to Hon Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, accepted the petition and lauded the women’s civic spirit.
He affirmed the lawmaker’s commitment to people-focused development and promised to deliver the delegation’s message faithfully to his principal.
The Voice reports that advocacy by the women groups, made of NLOWV, NAWOJ, FIDA, the Federation of Muslims Women’s Association in Nigeria ( FOMWAN) and National Council of Women Societies ( NCWS), formed part of a nationwide peaceful protest aimed at ensuring that the 10th National Assembly prioritises gender reforms before the next electoral cycle.(The Voice)
