Citypost News Desk
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has thrown its weight behind the Special Seats Bill (HB1349), calling for its urgent passage to address gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political representation.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the association said its position aligns with the Nigeria Women Solidarity March held on Monday, 16 February 2016, at the National Assembly of Nigeria, Abuja, where women groups nationwide rallied support for the bill currently before the legislature.
NAWOJ described the Special Seats Bill as a structural reform aimed at correcting historical exclusion of women from governance, stressing that it is not about privileges or tokenism but about justice, equity, and inclusive democracy.
The association noted that the continued underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislative space constitutes a democratic imbalance, despite women’s proven competence and leadership across various sectors of national life.
According to the statement, meaningful political inclusion of women requires deliberate action from the national level down to the states and local government areas, adding that the Special Seats Bill provides a practical framework for achieving fair representation.
NAWOJ called on female lawmakers across all tiers of government in Anambra State to champion the bill, urging senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state to vote in its favour without delay. It also appealed to the Anambra State House of Assembly to publicly endorse the bill and support national efforts to expand women’s political participation.
The association further urged political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders to support the reform, noting that inclusive governance strengthens accountability, enhances policy responsiveness, and promotes balanced socio-economic development.
As part of its advocacy, NAWOJ said it would engage key stakeholders and lawmakers, organise media campaigns to educate the public, collaborate with women and youth groups, and sustain public discourse until legislative action is achieved.
The statement was signed by Tochukwu Ifejika, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Anambra State Chapter.
