Urgent Call for Women Reserved Seat Bill in Nigeria

Dr. Sarah Umahi, founder of the Global Initiative for Women Leadership (GIFWIL), has called for the urgent passage of the women reserved seat bill currently awaiting a final vote in Nigeria's National Assembly. This bill is one of 44 proposed constitutional amendments aimed at increasing women's representation in legislative chambers.

Umahi highlighted that women constitute nearly half of Nigeria's population but occupy less than 10% of seats in the National Assembly and state legislatures. She criticized the notion of waiting for political parties or societal changes to improve women's representation, asserting that legislative action is necessary.

The proposed bill seeks to create special constituencies exclusively for women, which Umahi argues will not lower standards but rather level the playing field. She urged members of the National Assembly and civil society organizations to support the bill, emphasizing its importance for democracy, social justice, and national development.