A significant gathering of women occurred at the National Assembly entrance in Nigeria, where they peacefully advocated for the expedited passage of the Women Reserved Seats Bill. This initiative is crucial as it aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish reserved seats for women within the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly. The bill has been prioritized among 44 proposed constitutional amendments and its passage is seen as essential in addressing the ongoing underrepresentation of women in Nigeria's legislative bodies, providing an exclusive platform for women candidates in designated constituencies.

Ene Obi, a prominent activist and former convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, addressed the crowd, acknowledging the progress made by lawmakers but emphasizing the urgency of passing the bill before the 2027 general elections. The Women Reserved Seats Bill represents a temporary measure aimed at rectifying the systematic disparities that have historically limited women’s political participation in Nigeria. Advocates for the bill assert that having women in decision-making roles is vital for the nation's social and economic development.

The rally highlights a pivotal moment in Nigeria's legislative process, especially given the upcoming elections. The support from civil society groups signals a growing demand for gender equity in politics, indicating that there is a momentum building towards greater representation. As the lawmakers prepare to finalize their voting on this matter, the outcome of this bill could be instrumental in transforming Nigeria's political landscape for women and reshaping future legislative agendas.