A non-governmental Organisation in Nigeria, Gender Strategy Advancement International, GSAI, has called for the passage of the Special Seat Bill, which seeks to create additional seats for women in Nigeria’s parliament.
The Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International, GSAI, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack made the call in a message to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme: “Accelerate Action.”
She advocated for an increased representation of women in politics, noting that “women’s voices are minimized in Nigeria’s parliament and elective offices nationwide.”
“This is not only as important as it was yesterday but even more of an emergency today. The time for promises has passed, now is the time for action, especially looking at the levels of stereotypes and stigma against women in leadership.
“Despite making up nearly 50% of the population, Nigerian women remain significantly underrepresented in governance, holding less than 10% of elected positions consisting of 4 women in the Senate and 16 women in the House of Representatives”.
For these reasons, the Executive Director said accelerating action means ensuring that women have a seat at the table, not as tokens, but as decision-makers shaping Nigeria’s future.
“The level of patriarchy in our political ecosystem cannot be understated.It is a dire situation of lack of agency for women in leadership across boards.
“It is time for us as a nation and as a community of concerned citizens to exercise the need for women in policymaking and elective positions,” she said.
Sydney- Jack stressed that Special Seat Bill is a game changer for women’s inclusion.
She maintained that as the world pushes for accelerated action in gender inclusion, the National Assembly also needs to prioritize and pass the Special Seat Bill into law.
“The Special Seat Bill presents a transformative opportunity to break this cycle of exclusion and institutionalised gender-balanced leadership.
“The bill proposes: Additional seats for women at the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to guarantee gender representation,”Sydney- Jack said.
“Temporary affirmative measures to bridge the gender gap in politics and governance, Strengthened legal frameworks to institutionalise inclusive representation.
“If passed, this legislation will align Nigeria with other African nations like Rwanda, Kenya, and Senegal, where gender quotas have significantly increased women’s political participation”
“The Nigerian public must demand accountability and support for women’s leadership at all levels. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when women are equally represented,” she added.
Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) is a women-led Non Governmental Organisation, working around women’s rights, equal opportunity for women, increased women’s political participation and advancement.
VON