By Uzoamaka Mfoniso
As the National Public Hearing on the Reserved Seats Bill got underway in Abuja on September 22, stakeholders doubled down on calls for intensified mobilisation, lobbying, and strategic communication to push the landmark legislation over the line.
At a “She the People Dialogue” panel gender advocate Ene Obi reminded participants of the resilience women displayed during the 2022 protests when gender bills were thrown out by the National Assembly.
“Market women, mothers, grandmothers, daughters stood at the battlefront. The unity we experienced cannot be forgotten. Now, with a National Assembly bringing up this bill on their own, my charge is that we must sustain our solidarity—peaceful but determined,” she said.
Other panelists took turns outlining critical gaps. Dr. Eunice Emmanuel emphasised the need for heightened awareness: “Without women in democracy, we don’t have a complete democracy. Legislators need to understand the very essence of this bill.”
Similarly, Dr. Chiedozie Aja said some lawmakers still misinterpret the bill.
“Many of them still think women are out to take their seats. It is not so. Advocacy must be stronger, not confrontational, but strategic.”
Activist Aisha Yesufu urged lawmakers to think legacy, not excuses: “This is not about women alone, it is about good governance. If members of the 10th Assembly want to be remembered in history, they must pass this bill. Nigerians are tired of excuses—this is the time for bold, courageous leadership.”
Discussions also spotlighted the role of media and grassroots mobilisation. Evelyn Onyilo called for women journalists to “take ownership of the narrative, ensure publicity, and keep it on the national agenda.”
Princess Edna Azura, President of NCWS, added that the bill must be simplified into local languages and amplified through peaceful rallies across communities.
From a second panel, entrepreneur Ijeoma Ndukwe and mental health coach Gwen Ananti stressed that political jargon must be broken down “from entrepreneurs to market women” for better advocacy.
Media advocate Adora Onyechere reinforced the need for continuous mobilisation, while politician Nikky Onyeri warned that “if it must work, political parties must include quotas for female aspirants in their laws.”
Not everyone agreed on tone. APC Deputy Women Leader Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim cautioned against confrontational activism, saying: “This will not be gotten by activism—we must appeal, we must stoop to conquer. Also hold the leadership of your political parties to account. Every legislator belongs to a party.”
Former APC senatorial aspirant Ada Ogbu spotlighted cultural stereotypes undermining women in the South East. “They said, how can a woman who squats to pee be our senator? Enugu State has never had a female senator… For some, the fact that you squat to wee means you cannot represent them.”
She stressed civic enlightenment, warning that even some women misinterpret the bill as an appointment instead of elective. *“If we really don’t face these truths, we will miss the point.”
For disability inclusion advocate Lois Auta, the bill marks a potential breakthrough for women with disabilities.
“We are hopeful that all stakeholders… will be responsible enough to write their names in gold, to make history, and to leave a legacy. Not just for women, but for women with disabilities,” she said, welcoming the decision to reserve a percentage for women with disabilities.
“Section 30 of the Nigeria Disability Act states that women with disabilities have the right to political participation. We want to see inclusive governance, inclusive democracy—women moving from exclusion to inclusion, to participation, to representation.” She added
Across the dialogue, one message stood clear: the Reserved Seats Bill is not only about women, it is about strengthening democracy, advancing justice, and accelerating development. As participants concluded, democracy without women is half-built—and silence at this defining moment would be complicity.
