NILOWV Submits Endorsements and Memoranda in Support of the Special Seats for Women Bill at Zonal Public Hearing in Lafia, Nasarawa State

The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has continued its nationwide advocacy for gender-inclusive representation with the official submission of endorsement signatures and memoranda in support of the Special Seats for Women Bill during the Zonal Public Hearing for Benue and Plateau States, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The event formed part of the activities of the Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). NILOWV’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing constitutional reforms that promote women’s political inclusion and equitable representation in governance.

Advancing Gender Representation through Legislative Reform

The Special Seats for Women Bill seeks to amend the Constitution to reserve specific seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. This proposal aims to address the longstanding gender gap in Nigeria’s political system, where women occupy less than seven percent of elective and appointive positions.

By institutionalizing dedicated seats for women, the Bill intends to foster gender balance, strengthen democratic participation, and ensure that the perspectives and contributions of women are adequately represented in national and subnational decision-making processes.

Public Support and Stakeholder Engagement

As part of its advocacy strategy, NILOWV mobilized broad-based public support, collecting endorsement signatures from citizens, women’s organizations, youth groups, and community leaders across various constituencies. The League also presented well-documented memoranda highlighting the constitutional, social, and developmental rationale for adopting the proposed amendment.

These submissions reflect the collective voice of Nigerian citizens calling for a more inclusive and equitable political framework that recognizes women as vital partners in nation-building.

Zonal Hearing for Benue and Plateau States

The Lafia hearing, which covered Benue and Plateau States, provided a platform for stakeholders to express their views on key constitutional amendment proposals. NILOWV’s delegation emphasized the need for sustainable mechanisms that guarantee women’s active participation in governance and policy formulation.

The League also commended the Committee on the Review of the Constitution for creating an inclusive process that allows civil society organizations and citizens to contribute meaningfully to the constitutional reform process.

Commitment to Continued Advocacy

NILOWV reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustained advocacy and collaboration with policymakers, civil society, and development partners to ensure the passage and implementation of the Special Seats for Women Bill.

The organization continues to champion initiatives that empower women politically, economically, and socially, aligning with Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa.

Conclusion

The submission of endorsements and memoranda in Lafia represents a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign for gender-responsive governance in Nigeria. NILOWV remains resolute in its mission to strengthen democratic inclusion, promote equal participation, and advance the cause of women in leadership across all levels of government.