Over 36,000 women in Bauchi State have called on the National Assembly to pass the Reserve Seats Bill, a proposed legislation aimed at improving women’s participation in politics and governance across Nigeria.
The women, under the umbrella of the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV), presented their signatures to the House of Representatives in support of the bill, which seeks to guarantee reserved elective positions for women at both national and state levels.
Awareness and Advocacy Campaigns
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Chairperson of the League in Bauchi, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, said the organisation embarked on extensive sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of women’s inclusion in governance.
According to her, the consultations received overwhelming support from men and youths, who endorsed the demand for reserved seats for women.
“We conducted a town hall meeting to raise awareness on women’s participation in politics, and the clarion call made an impact,” she said.
Mohammed noted that members of the League also attended public hearings organised by the National Assembly, where they submitted signatures collected from women across the state in support of the proposed bill.
Encouraging Women’s Political Participation
She added that the group continues to encourage women to build resilience and actively contest elective positions, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Intimidation and financial constraints remain major challenges for women vying for political offices,” she explained.
“Religion and tradition also pose barriers, but we are helping women stay engaged and confident.”
The League’s chairperson stressed that women make up a larger portion of the voting population and have played a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“Women appointed or elected into political offices support families, empower other women, and drive community development,” she said.
“Despite challenges, women continue to bring innovation, empathy, and inclusiveness into governance.”
Regional Support and Broader Impact
Meanwhile, women activists in Jigawa and Gombe States have also joined the call for greater female participation in politics, describing it as essential for Nigeria’s social and economic development.