Over 750 Nigerian women from the 36 states and the FCT marched in Abuja on September 22, 2025, calling on the National Assembly to pass the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill (HB 1349, SB 440).
Led by Ebere Ifendu, Chair of the Women’s Political Participation Technical Working Group (WPP–TWG), the peaceful rally concluded at the Transcorp Hilton, where participants submitted a memorandum during the National Public Hearing on Constitutional Reforms.
The proposed law aims to establish 219 reserved seats for women, 37 in the Senate, 74 in the House of Representatives, and 108 in State Assemblies, a move campaigners argue will address Nigeria’s poor track record of female political representation, which currently stands at below 6%.
“Nigeria needs women’s voices in governance,” Ifendu said, stressing the importance of inclusive politics. The push comes as countries like Rwanda have already adopted quota systems that guarantee women’s participation in decision-making.
With an October 2025 vote approaching, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, one of the bill’s sponsors, urged Nigerians and the media to rally behind the legislation to boost women in politics and strengthen democracy in Nigeria.
