Enugu: NAWOJ declares support for the special seats Bill for women

Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Enugu State Chapter, hereby expresses its strong and unequivocal support for the Special Seats Bill (HB1349), currently under consideration in the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

As an organization committed to promoting gender equity, social justice, and inclusive governance, NAWOJ Enugu views the Special Seats Bill as a landmark legislative initiative aimed at addressing the long-standing under-representation of women in Nigeria’s political and decision-making structures. 

In a statement signed by the Chairperson and Secretary of NAWOJ Enugu State Ngozi Ngene and Nnenna Igwe said that For decades, Nigerian women have demonstrated competence, leadership, and capacity across all sectors—media, business, academia, civil society, and public service—yet their representation in elective positions remains disproportionately low. 

The Special Seats Bill (HB1349) seeks to correct this imbalance by creating additional legislative seats exclusively for women at the federal and state levels, thereby strengthening democratic participation and ensuring broader inclusion in governance. 

NAWOJ Enugu firmly believes that: Inclusive governance enhances policy outcomes and national development.

Women’s representation is not a privilege, but a democratic necessity. 

Temporary special measures, such as reserved seats, are globally recognized strategies for accelerating gender parity in political participation. 

The passage of HB1349 will align Nigeria with international best practices and commitments to gender equality, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.