An aspirant for Kwande East Constituency in Benue State House of Assembly, Dr Eunice Hembafan Bosua, has called for stronger support for increased women’s representation in the legislature, aligning her campaign with a proposed bill seeking to expand reserved seats for women.
The Bosua said the push for more female lawmakers is not about tokenism but about correcting a long-standing imbalance in governance.
She however commended the Benue State governor, Hycinth Alia, for being sensitive to the place of women in government by ensuring they are given appreciable appointments into key offices his administration.
The Special Seats Bill for Women in Nigeria, also known as the Reserved Seats Bill, proposes creating 74 additional federal legislative seats (one Senate and one House of Reps seat per state + FCT) and 108 in state assemblies, to be filled exclusively by women for four electoral cycles (16 years). The bill aims to boost female representation from under 5% to over 20%, with 2026/2027 targets for passage.
“Women make up nearly half of the population, yet our presence in legislative chambers remains disproportionately low,” she said. “This bill is an opportunity to ensure that women’s voices are not just heard, but are part of decision-making at the highest levels.”
The proposed legislation, currently under consideration, aims to create additional seats specifically for women in national and state assemblies. Supporters argue it would accelerate gender inclusion and strengthen democratic representation, while critics have raised concerns about implementation and fairness.
The aspirant dismissed those concerns, insisting that structural barriers have historically limited women’s political participation.
“For decades, cultural, financial, and institutional obstacles have held women back. This is a deliberate and necessary intervention to level the playing field,” she added.
She also emphasised the broader impact of women’s leadership, citing evidence that female lawmakers often prioritize issues such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Advocacy groups and civil society organizations have increasingly rallied behind the bill, organizing campaigns and public engagements to build momentum. Many see the current legislative cycle as a critical window for reform.
As the debate continues, the aspirant urged voters and fellow politicians to view the bill as a step toward a more inclusive democracy.
“When women are at the table, governance improves for everyone,” she said. “This is not just a women’s issue—it is a national development issue.”
End.
