Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Scores of women rallied peacefully at the National Assembly gates on Monday, urging lawmakers to fast-track the Women Reserved Seats Bill ahead of the 2027 general election.
The bill, one of 44 constitutional amendment proposals awaiting voting, seeks to create temporary special constituencies exclusively for female candidates, addressing Nigeria’s persistently low female representation in legislative chambers.
Former convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi, praised lawmakers’ progress but stressed urgency.
“A vote for a woman is a vote for life. Women are the hope of life,” she said. “We are holding a peaceful rally and urging members of the National Assembly to pass the bill.”
Rahila Dauda of the International Federation of Women Lawyers described the current representation as unacceptable. “It is a shame that in a country where over half the population are women, only about 4–5 occupy seats in the Senate and House,” she said.
Advocates also demand inclusion of women and girls with disabilities, referencing the Disability Act and calling for five per cent reserved seats.
Nigeria has historically low female parliamentary representation. Since 1999, women’s participation has remained marginal despite repeated commitments to gender inclusion. Constitutional amendments in 2022 failed, prompting protests under “Women Occupy National Assembly.”
Supporters argue the temporary quota mirrors systems in Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, which have increased women’s parliamentary representation. Without structural intervention, entrenched barriers continue to limit access to elective office.
For the women at the gates on Monday, the demand is clear: pass the bill in time for the 2027 elections. Whether lawmakers act remains uncertain.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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