Maureen Okpe
Stakeholders have declared that the persistent issue of women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political space will soon become a thing of the past, as renewed efforts are being made to address it through collective action and legislative reform.
Speaking on Thursday at the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025), themed “Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action”, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill for Women.
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Represented by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Abbas stated, “The issue of women’s underrepresentation will soon be the tale of the past. We are engaging with our colleagues one-on-one. Whether in Abuja or in their constituencies, we are making sure they understand that the time is now. There is no better time than now.”
The Speaker emphasized the importance of collective advocacy and legislative reform, noting, “The Reserved Seats Bill, which I am proud to co-sponsor, seeks to create 37 additional seats for women across the National Assembly, including three seats per senatorial district at the state level.”
He highlighted the recent National Public Hearing on the Bill held on September 22, where Nigerian women turned out in overwhelming numbers to show solidarity. “It was a clear sign that Nigerian women are ready to take their place at the decision-making table. We are not asking — we are taking action.”
Abbas also revealed that grassroots mobilization efforts are already underway. “We’ve engaged political party leaderships, traditional rulers, royal fathers, and community leaders. We are lobbying from the top to the grassroots because this bill is not just about politics it’s about correcting decades of structural imbalance.”
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He commended what he called the President’s gender-sensitive leadership. “This is the only President who has supported his wife to be in the Senate three times. His Renewed Hope Agenda is clear, he wants a Nigeria where no woman is left behind,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, stated that the story of Nigeria is incomplete without the strength of its women.
“Your voices remain the heartbeat of our country; echoing, undaunted, unyielding, and rising to shape a future of equity and progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My administration stands resolute in empowering women as protectors of families, drivers of innovation, and catalysts of the one trillion-dollar economy we are building together,” he said.
Presenting her speech for the conference in her capacity as Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the power of collective action and the unyielding spirit of Nigerian women, adding that true gender equality cannot be achieved in isolation.
She noted that women currently occupy less than 6 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, far below the African Union’s target of 50 per cent parity and beneath the global average of 26.5 per cent.
The Minister stated that the Reserved Seats Bill is necessary to address this underrepresentation and to promote political inclusivity.
“The Reserved Seats Bill is so significant. It is not an act of benevolence; it is an act of justice and strategic necessity.
“By guaranteeing space for women in governance, we align with global best practices, ensure a more inclusive democracy, and unlock the full potential of half of Nigeria’s population,” she said.
While commending the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for their support, she said, “Their determination to support the Reserved Seats Bill demonstrates political courage and statesmanship.
“It signals to Nigerian women that their voices matter, and it signals to the world that Nigeria is ready to align with the global movement for inclusive governance.
“Indeed, their support is not just about Nigeria; it represents a continental and global statement that democracy without women is incomplete.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, Convener of the Conference and CEO of Women Radio 91.7, said the annual conference remains a platform where women’s voices rise to shape Nigeria’s future.
Okewale-Sonaiya emphasized the need to bridge the gap and address low female political representation to ensure inclusive governance and national transformation.
Speaking on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, she stressed the need for the President and National Assembly to pass it into law, adding that it is critical for Nigeria’s true democracy.
“The passage of the bill is a crucial step towards promoting gender balance and inclusive governance in Nigeria.
“Your commitment and administration’s focus on development and inclusivity align with the bill’s objectives.
“Your support will demonstrate commitment to gender balance and development, enhancing Nigeria’s global standing.
“Your advocacy will significantly impact the bill’s passage. It will inspire future generations and show young Nigerians the value of inclusive leadership.
“When the bill is passed, your administration and the 10th National Assembly will be remembered in Nigeria’s history as champions of women’s rights,” she said.
Other activities to mark the conference included the conferment of awards on notable personalities for their contributions to the advancement of women.
In her keynote address, Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reiterated that women’s inclusion is not a favour, but a constitutional and global responsibility.
“With women occupying less than 6% of National Assembly seats and under 5% in State Assemblies, Nigeria must act now,” she said. “The Reserved Seats Bill is a strategic necessity, not an act of charity.”
She cited historical examples such as the Aba Women’s Protest of 1929 and the Egba Women’s Revolt of the 1940s as powerful reminders of the impact of collective female action in shaping Nigeria’s history.
“Just as those women bent the arc of history toward justice, we too must rise,” she declared.
Also speaking, President of the League of Women Voters, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, lamented the recent deaths of five female council officials in Lagos, warning that the dangers facing women in public service were discouraging others from stepping into leadership roles.
“There is a danger of death in women’s leadership in Nigeria,” she said. “We must protect women in office and provide the support they need to thrive, not just survive.”
Awunah-Ikyegh further called for a stronger connection between elite and grassroots women.
“Our advocacy must reflect the realities of the market woman in Balogun, the farmer in Benue, the teacher in Bauchi, and the mother in Borno. Until every woman sees herself in the movement, our collective power will remain limited,” she stated.