The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Adamawa Chapter, has called for the urgent passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB.1349) to improve women’s representation in governance.
Ms Felicia Dauda, the branch Chairperson made the call on Monday during a press conference in Yola.
Dauda said the association joined the nationwide advocacy for the bill, because it is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and addressing gender imbalance in political representation.
“Female representation in the 10th National Assembly remained low, with only 21 women out of 469 members and the Senate has four women out of 109 members while the House of Representatives has 17 out of 360, representing about 4.2 per cent overall.
“At the state level, women constitute about 5.5 per cent of State Assembly members nationwide, while 13 states have no female lawmakers at all,” she said.
The chairperson said the situation in Adamawa reflected the national trend, noting that the state’s federal legislative seats comprising three senators and eight House of Representatives members were all occupied by men.
She added that the 25-member Adamawa State House of Assembly had only one female lawmaker, representing roughly four per cent of the legislature.
Dauda described the low representation as a governance challenge, stressing that women, who make up nearly half of the country’s population, play key roles in voting, economic activities and community development.
“Excluding women from decision-making spaces resulted in incomplete policy outcomes, weakened democratic processes and slower development.
“The Special Seats Bill (HB.1349) is a structural bridge to equity. It does not ask for favours but seeks a constitutional correction to an imbalance,” she said.
Dauda recalled that similar proposals failed during the 9th National Assembly and urged stakeholders not to allow a repeat.
She called on members of the National Assembly from Adamawa to support and vote for the bill.
She further urged the Adamawa State House of Assembly to endorse the constitutional amendment when transmitted for state ratification.
The NAWOJ chairperson also urged the media to amplify advocacy efforts for women’s inclusion in governance.
Dauda said the women of Adamawa were united in demanding greater participation in legislative processes.
She expressed optimism that improved representation would inspire more women to participate in leadership and governance.(NAN)
