The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State Chapter, has thrown its full weight behind the nationwide campaign for the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349), describing it as a decisive legislative intervention required to correct the long-standing marginalisation of women in Nigeria’s political leadership.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Monday, the association aligned itself with women across the country who converged at the National Assembly to demand structural reforms that guarantee increased political representation for women. The Kaduna chapter characterised the proposed legislation as a practical and strategic response to systemic exclusion rather than a symbolic concession.
According to NAWOJ Kaduna, the demand for special seats in legislative bodies is rooted in the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance and decision-making processes, despite decades of democratic practice in Nigeria.
The association stressed that Nigeria’s democratic evolution remains incomplete while women who constitute nearly half of the country’s population continue to occupy a disproportionately small share of elective positions.
“Women have consistently demonstrated competence, resilience, and leadership capacity across sectors including media, law, education, healthcare, business, and public administration. However, political structures have failed to reflect this reality,” the statement noted.
The Special Seats Bill (HB1349), currently before the National Assembly, seeks to introduce constitutionally backed mechanisms to increase women’s representation in legislative institutions. Proponents argue that such affirmative legislative measures are necessary to dismantle entrenched barriers that have historically limited women’s access to political power.
NAWOJ Kaduna issued a direct appeal to members of the National Assembly representing Kaduna State, urging them to vote in favour of the bill in the interest of equity, fairness, and democratic advancement.
The association framed the vote as a defining test of commitment to inclusive governance and equal opportunity, warning that neutrality or silence at this stage would amount to complicity in sustaining systemic imbalance.
Beyond federal legislators, NAWOJ also called on the Kaduna State House of Assembly to publicly endorse efforts aimed at expanding women’s political participation. The association emphasised that subnational endorsement would signal political will and strengthen the momentum for reform at the national level.
Recognising that legislative reform requires collective action, NAWOJ Kaduna extended its appeal to political parties, civil society organisations, professional associations, and traditional and community leaders to lend visible and vocal support to the proposed amendment.
The association underscored that inclusive governance produces measurable developmental benefits, including:
The statement argued that increased female participation in legislative processes would enrich policymaking with diverse perspectives, strengthen institutional legitimacy, and enhance public trust in democratic structures.
Democratic Imperative
NAWOJ Kaduna was unequivocal in its position that women’s political empowerment is not a favour to be granted but a democratic necessity to be institutionalised.
The association maintained that incremental gestures and rhetorical commitments to gender inclusion are no longer sufficient. Instead, it advocated for structural constitutional provisions that embed women’s representation within the political framework.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement declared, asserting that the country must move beyond tokenistic appointments and embrace legally enforceable reforms that guarantee sustained representation.
Commitment to Sustained Advocacy
The association pledged continued media advocacy, civic education, and stakeholder mobilisation until tangible legislative progress is achieved. As a professional body of women journalists, NAWOJ Kaduna committed to leveraging its platforms to inform citizens, shape public discourse, and sustain pressure for passage of the bill.
By positioning itself at the forefront of the advocacy, the organisation reaffirmed its broader mandate of amplifying women’s voices and advancing gender equity within public institutions.