On Monday, numerous women gathered at the National Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, to advocate for the quick passage of the Women Reserved Seats Bill, which aims to increase female representation in legislative bodies. This bill is one of the 44 constitutional amendment proposals awaiting final voting by the National Assembly, and it seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to reserve seats for women in both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly. The activists argue that special constituencies for women are crucial to improve their representation in governance, which has been starkly low historically in Nigeria.

The rally was addressed by notable figures, including Ene Obi, a former convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, who highlighted the necessity for lawmakers to prioritize this legislation. While commending the progress made thus far, she emphasized the importance of not delaying its passage, especially as the 2027 general elections approach. The proposal serves as a temporary strategy to address the gender imbalance in political representation, aiming to empower women and ensure their voices are heard in legislative processes.

The push for the Women Reserved Seats Bill reflects ongoing debates surrounding gender equity in Nigeria's political landscape. If passed, the bill could significantly change the dynamics of political participation, enabling more women to contest elections and potentially influencing legislation and policy-making to better represent the interests of women and families in the country. The outcome of the bill's passage could serve as a benchmark for future discussions on women's rights and representation in Africa and beyond.