Women advocacy groups in Rivers State have thrown their weight behind the proposed Special Seat for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria, describing the legislation as a critical step toward correcting the persistent underrepresentation of women in elective offices.
In a joint press statement issued on Saturday to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS) in partnership with the TobyJug Foundation called on lawmakers to support the bill and promote inclusive governance across the country.
The statement, jointly signed by Comrade Glory Sunday for RWUS and Grace Dappa for the TobyJug Foundation, noted that International Women’s Day is not only a moment to celebrate women’s achievements but also a time to reflect, advocate, and renew commitments toward gender equity and greater participation of women in leadership.
The groups emphasized that the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of investing in women as a pathway to national growth, innovation, and resilience.
They praised the contributions of Nigerian women across different sectors of society, including agriculture, commerce, academia, public service, and family life, while stressing that women’s presence in governance remains disproportionately low.
According to the statement, Nigeria continues to record one of the lowest levels of female representation in political offices across Africa, with limited numbers of women in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
The groups argued that the situation is not due to a lack of competence among women but rather the result of structural and systemic barriers that have historically limited their access to political opportunities.
They described the Special Seat for Women Bill as a bold corrective measure that would promote inclusive governance, strengthen democracy through gender-balanced leadership, and enable Nigeria to harness the full potential of its female population.
The organizations also urged members of the National Assembly to rise above partisan interests and support the bill in the national interest, while calling on State Houses of Assembly to back constitutional amendments that promote gender inclusion.
They further appealed to civil society organizations, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and youth groups to publicly support the proposed legislation.
The groups stressed that inclusive governance strengthens democracy, noting that societies benefit when women are given equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
They also called on Nigerian women to remain politically conscious and actively engaged in supporting policies that promote gender equity, mentoring younger generations, and maintaining unity across ethnic, religious, and political divides.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to the advancement of women in leadership and governance,” the statement said.
The groups maintained that the Special Seat for Women Bill is not a privilege but a necessary instrument for justice, balance, and sustainable national development.
