The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Osun State chapter, has called for the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a crucial step toward improving women’s representation in governance.
The appeal followed the Nigeria Women Solidarity March held at the National Assembly in Abuja, where NAWOJ members joined other advocacy groups to press for legislative action aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics.
In a statement jointly signed by the Osun NAWOJ Chairperson, Abisola Ariwodola, and the Secretary, Oluwaranti Ojewumi, the association said Nigeria’s democracy cannot be considered fully representative while women remain significantly underrepresented in elective and appointive positions.
NAWOJ noted that although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, structural, cultural and institutional barriers continue to limit their access to political leadership roles.
“Over the years, despite proven competence and leadership capacity across sectors, women have continued to face structural, cultural and institutional barriers that restrict their political participation,” the statement said.
The association explained that the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) seeks to amend the Constitution to create additional legislative seats exclusively for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. It described the proposal as a corrective mechanism to address historical exclusion rather than a privilege.
According to NAWOJ, greater inclusion of women in governance would strengthen social protection systems, improve education and healthcare delivery, and enhance community development initiatives.
“For decades, women have been marginalised within political party structures, electoral processes and governance. The Special Seats Bill provides a practical pathway to bridge the representation gap and institutionalise gender inclusion,” the statement added.
The group urged National Assembly members representing Osun State to support the bill and called on the Osun State House of Assembly to domesticate it once passed. It reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the measure, urging stakeholders to act with urgency and patriotism.
