Gloria Essien, Abuja
The Forum of National Women Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats For Women Bill to promote inclusion in governance.
They made the call after a strategic meeting held in Abuja.
A communique read by the Forum’s President, Mrs. Amina Darasimi Bryhm, said they were fully committed to the immediate passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly.
“The Reserve Seats for Women Bill is not just a women’s issue — it is a national imperative. It seeks to correct long-standing gender imbalances and ensure that women, who form the backbone of our democracy, are fully represented in governance.
“We reaffirm our collective commitment to inclusive governance and express strong support for the proposed constitutional amendment to create Special Seats for Women in the National and State Assemblies,” she said.
She called on the leadership and members of the National Assembly to ensure its expeditious passage.
The Forum also made an appeal to the President: “We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Executive Arm of Government to stand firmly with Nigerian women by supporting and assenting to this Bill, once passed.
“Doing so will demonstrate leadership and commitment to the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusion that our nation upholds.”
“To our fathers, brothers, and husbands, we say this is not a fight against men but a call to partnership. Empowering women empowers families, strengthens communities, and builds a better Nigeria for all,” the group added.
They also called on all Nigerian lawmakers, political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society, and the general public to join hands with them in making history.
“Let this Bill become the turning point for women’s full participation in governance and the dawn of a more inclusive Nigeria,” the forum concluded.