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NIGERIA’S FEMALE JOURNALISTS LEAD CHARGE FOR GREATER REPRESENTATION IN GOVERNANCE

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has thrown its weight behind a nationwide campaign to push for greater female representation in governance. The “Ward 2 Ward: Her Seat in Parliament and Governance Campaign” aims to sensitize citizens across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas on the need for special seats in Parliament for women and the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action. Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of NAWOJ, emphasized the critical role that women journalists will play in amplifying women’s voices and ensuring the campaign’s success. “As media professionals, we understand the power of the press and will employ our mediums to ensure this campaign succeeds,” she stated. NAWOJ’s involvement in the campaign is significant, given the organization’s track record of promoting women’s empowerment and challenging patriarchal norms in Nigerian society. By leveraging their platforms and influence, NAWOJ members aim to mobilize public support for the campaign and push for policy changes that will promote greater female representation in governance. The campaign has already garnered support from key stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura. As the campaign gains momentum, NAWOJ’s leadership and members will play a vital role in shaping the narrative and advocating for policy changes that will promote greater female representation in governance. Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT chapter, underscored the importance of grassroots mobilization in driving the campaign’s success. “Our strength lies in mobilizing the grassroots. NAWOJ FCT is committed to using the influence of our members, both female and male journalists, to ensure that women’s representation is not just a dream, but a reality,” she said.

WOMEN TAKE THE LEAD: NAWOJ, NILOWV LAUNCH WARD2WARD CAMPAIGN FOR SPECIAL SEATS IN PARLIAMENT

In a historic move towards women’s political inclusion, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) launched the Ward2Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance campaign in Abuja. The initiative advocates for the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill and the implementation of the 35% Affirmative Action across all levels of government in Nigeria. The campaign launch brought together key stakeholders, political leaders, and gender advocates committed to driving women’s representation in governance. NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, emphasized the media’s crucial role in amplifying the campaign’s message, ensuring that Nigerian women’s voices are heard. Eminent dignitaries, including the President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and the Minister of Women Affairs, delivered goodwill messages in support of the initiative. They stressed the urgent need for policy reforms to ensure gender balance in governance. Hon. Princess Obiajulu, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, passionately urged stakeholders to move beyond promises and commit to concrete actions. “We must shift from mere advocacy to real implementation. The time for inclusion is now.” The campaign aims to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations in championing the inclusion of women in governance. With Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks like CEDAW and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, women remain significantly underrepresented in governance. Currently, about 15 states in Nigeria lack female representation in their state assemblies, and at the national level, women occupy a mere 5.6% of legislative seats. The campaign draws inspiration from global best practices, such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa, where special parliamentary seats for women have led to substantial increases in female representation. The campaign organizers urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of the 74 Special Seat Bill, stressing that this legislative reform is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. As the campaign gains momentum, stakeholders call on civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector to support and fund this transformative movement. Nigerian women, armed with their voter currency, are poised to translate advocacy into electoral influence, ensuring that their voices shape the nation’s governance.

BREAKING BARRIERS: NAWOJ FCT AND TRADITIONAL RULERS UNITE TO EMPOWER RURAL WOMEN

In a groundbreaking move ahead of the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has partnered with traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to champion the rights of rural women. The partnership aims to amplify the voices of rural women, who often face barriers such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. According to NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, “We must take deliberate action to ensure rural women are not left behind in the fight for gender equality, economic empowerment, and social justice.” This year’s theme, “Accelerating Action for Gender Equality: The Voice of Rural Women,” emphasizes the urgent need for action. The Wife of the Ona of Abaji and President of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association, HRM Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, reaffirmed the traditional rulers’ commitment to the cause. She highlighted the prevalence of gender-based violence in rural communities, saying, “The collaboration with NAWOJ FCT will drive positive change for women and children.” The Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association was established in 2019, following the advice of former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, to create a unified front for advancing women’s causes. With this landmark collaboration, NAWOJ FCT and traditional rulers are set to break barriers, amplify rural women’s voices, and drive lasting change across communities in the FCT.

MEDIA URGED TO AMPLIFY WOMEN’S VOICES IN PEACEBUILDING

The crucial role of women in peacebuilding and security has been highlighted, with calls for increased inclusion and active participation of women in decision-making processes. This comes as global conflicts and security challenges persist, underscoring the need for diverse perspectives in achieving sustainable peace. Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, FCT Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), emphasized the significance of media in promoting peace and security. In a statement, Bassey Ita Ikpang noted that the media has the power to shape public opinion, hold leaders accountable, and provide a platform for marginalized voices. Women have historically played a vital role in conflict resolution, mediation, and community stability, yet they continue to face barriers to full participation in security frameworks. Despite these challenges, women-led organizations in Nigeria and across Africa have made significant contributions to countering violent extremism, promoting community resilience, and advocating for human rights. Bassey Ita Ikpang stressed the importance of collaboration between the media, civil society organizations, and policymakers to amplify the narratives of women peacebuilders. By doing so, it is possible to dismantle the barriers preventing women’s full participation and foster a more inclusive security landscape.