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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.