Kaduna : NCWS, Others Demand Passage Of Reserved Seats Bill

Some Women Organisations in Kaduna State led by the National Council for Women’s Societies, NCWS, Kaduna State Chapter have called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill for increased women participation in politics across the Country.

Speaking during a visit to formally present a petition to a Federal Lawmaker Representing Kaduna, Mr. Bello El-Rufai for the urgent passage of the bill, the State President of NCWS, Barrister Zainab Hassan, noted that the demand for reserved seats reflects the growing insistence of Nigerian women on inclusive governance and equitable representation in decision-making processes.

“We are here to submit our petition concerning the reserved seats for women, which is yet to be passed. We want Honourable Bello El-Rufai to facilitate the passage of the bill,” she said.

She explained that the rally and petition submission are part of a coordinated nationwide action taking place across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT to demonstrate the seriousness and unity behind the movement.

According to her, the widespread mobilisation highlights the urgency of addressing gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political space and ensuring that women have a stronger voice in governance.

“Come rain or shine, women always come out to vote. We are the voters in Nigeria. You will see women, even with their children, waiting patiently to vote for candidates of their choice, this petition carries significant weight because women are no longer begging, we are urging lawmakers to pass the bill immediately so that women can be fully included in lawmaking in Nigeria,” she said.

Barrister Zainab emphasised that the petition underscores a shift in advocacy by women, from appeals to firm demands for inclusion.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the lawmaker, the Deputy Chairman of the Bello El-Rufai Governing Council, Dr. Umar Abubakar Sambo, applauded the women for their courage and commitment to advancing a critical national issue, saying the contributions of women in the country particularly during elections deserve greater recognition.

Dr. Sambo assured the delegation that their message would be conveyed appropriately and expressed optimism that the petition would yield positive outcomes.

The Coalition in the coordinated advocacy include the League of Women Voters of Nigeria NILOWV, the National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria, FOMWAN, and International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, among others.

Naomi Anzaku, Edited By Grace Namiji