Lagos NAWOJ Pushes for Urgent Passage Of Special Seats Bill To Increase Women’s Participation In Governance

Lagos NAWOJ has pushed for the urgent passage of the special seats bill to increase women’s participation in governance.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Lagos State Chapter, has called for the urgent passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria, describing the proposal as vital to strengthening inclusive governance in Nigeria.

Chairperson of the Association in Lagos State, Jumoke Falayi Johnson, said better women’s representation in governance is beneficial to Nigeria, as women bring passion to every endeavour and often get things moving.

READ ALSO: NAWOJ Lagos Launches Official Website To Boost Visibility And Accessibility

“I believe the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) is that thing we need to do differently to get out of this valley we’re in. We must understand that women’s representation is not the same as men’s representation.

Far from it. That is for those asking what difference women would make“.

The NAWOJ Lagos Chair said, despite constituting a significant percentage of Nigeria’s population, women remain underrepresented in political decision-making spaces.

“This imbalance hinders inclusive development and democratic growth, and the Special Seats Bill is a necessary intervention to address this disparity and ensure women’s voices are heard in the corridors of power“.

“We commend the efforts of advocates pushing for this Bill and call on federal lawmakers representing Lagos State to vote in favour of it. We also urge the Lagos State House of Assembly to publicly endorse increased women’s representation in politics.

The Association says as a body constituting women journalists in Lagos, it is committed to sustained media advocacy, to highlight the importance of women’s inclusion in governance, adding that the Bill is a step towards a more equitable and just society.

Jumoke Falayi Johnson said “we all have a role to play”, emphasizing that the time for action is now, urging all stakeholders to support the Bill and work towards a more inclusive Nigeria.