The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), in partnership with leading disability rights organizations, has joined a nationwide advocacy campaign across five geopolitical zones, calling for the explicit inclusion of women with disabilities in the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly.
The Global President of the Network of Women with Disabilities, Ms Lois Auta alongside other state-level leaders, presented memoranda at all five Zonal Public Hearings by the National Assembly.
In each submission, Hon. Auta made a bold and direct demand by presenting a memorandum demanding 5% of the proposed 181 additional seats reserved for women in the National Assembly be specifically allocated to women with disabilities.
She said that the historic request is aimed at securing genuine representation, equity, and constitutional justice.
The advocacy was carried out during the Senate’s Zonal Public Hearings on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held in:
South-South Zone – Akwa Ibom State
North-Central Zone – Plateau State
North-West Zone – Sokoto State
North-East Zone – Bauchi State
South-East Zone – Enugu State
Each zonal engagement featured passionate presentations by NWD State Coordinators and allied organizations, delivering one unified message:
“Representation is not charity, it is justice. Women with disabilities must have a constitutionally protected voice in Nigeria’s democracy.” Auta said.
She noted that the Network of Women with Disabilities’ advocacy is focused on the following key demands:
” A minimum of 5% reserved seats for women with disabilities within the 181 proposed Special Seats
” Use of rights-based, inclusive language in all constitutional and legislative documents
” Political party reforms ensuring women with disabilities can lead and contest
” Accessible political environments including campaign venues and polling units
” Establishment of a Disability-Inclusive Electoral Support Fund”. She said.
The Network of Women with Disabilities and partners call on lawmakers to act with urgency and courage ensuring reserved seats for women with disabilities and safeguarding inclusive governance for all.
Olusola Akintonde