Women Rally for Reserved Seats Bill

A large group of women gathered at the National Assembly to demand support for a bill proposing reserved seats for women in legislatures.

The protest drew participants from various women’s organisations and civil society groups across Nigeria. Demonstrators arrived early, holding placards with messages calling for fairness, inclusion, and equal representation. Some signs read “Give Women a Voice” and “Reserved Seats Now,” as the crowd chanted peacefully and urged lawmakers to act on the reserved seats for women proposal.

At the centre of the demonstration is a bill currently before the Assembly. Supporters say it aims to address the low number of women in both state and national legislatures by creating additional seats specifically for female candidates. Advocates argue that the reserved seats for women plan offers a practical way to correct long-standing gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political system.

One organiser explained that the protest became necessary because women remain underrepresented despite making up a significant portion of the population. Another participant stressed that women are not seeking special treatment but equal opportunities to contribute to national development. She added that many qualified female candidates face systemic barriers during elections.

Security personnel monitored the protest and ensured it remained orderly, with no reports of disruption around the Assembly complex. Meanwhile, lawmakers have yet to issue an official response. However, sources indicate that discussions on the reserved seats for women bill are ongoing, with the proposal already generating debate among political stakeholders.

The outcome of this bill could shape the future of women’s participation in governance across Nigeria.

Do you think reserved seats are the best way to improve women’s political representation?