Women Groups Push for Passage of Special Bill, Seek National Assembly Support.

Women Groups Push for Passage of Special Bill, Seek National Assembly Support.

Women’s organisations across the country, including the National Council for Women Societies, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the League of Women Voters in Nigeria, have intensified advocacy efforts for the passage of a special bill for women currently before the National Assembly.

As part of the campaign, the groups embarked on strategic visits to key lawmakers, including the liaison office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, and the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha.

Speaking during the advocacy visit, the Chairperson of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Dr. Blessing Nwagba, explained that the nationwide engagement with federal lawmakers is aimed at securing broad support to ensure the bill garners the required two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly for its passage.

Dr. Nwagba noted that the proposed legislation would promote inclusiveness and aligns with international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, to which Nigeria is a signatory.

She added that similar advocacy visits had been conducted at both national and zonal levels, stressing that the latest engagement at constituency offices was part of efforts to ensure widespread endorsement of the bill before the National Assembly resumes plenary.

Also lending their voices, Mrs. Joy Nwagbara of Women in Politics, Miss Solomon Nmesoma Favour, and Mrs. Ifeoma Ohaeri, alongside representatives from the National Council of Women Societies and young women in politics, emphasized the importance of the bill, describing it as crucial to enhancing women’s participation in governance and legislative processes.

They argued that increased involvement of women in lawmaking would strengthen democratic governance and lead to more inclusive policies that reflect the needs of all citizens.

The Team Lead of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Umeadi Judith, also called on federal lawmakers to expedite action on the bill ahead of the forthcoming elections, stressing that Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from increased female representation if the proposed legislation is given priority attention.