The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja Branch, on Friday called on political parties across the country to widen their doors for greater women’s participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
FIDA also urged the National Assembly to accelerate work on the Reserved Seats Bill, describing it as a critical tool for strengthening gender representation in Nigeria’s legislature.
Speaking at the Ministry of Justice Headquarters in Abuja during a briefing to commence activities marking its 2025 Law Week, FIDA Chairperson, Ms. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, said the theme of this year’s event, “Advancing Women’s Representation: The Reserved Seats and the Future of Nigeria’s Legislature,” was timely and necessary.
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She said Nigeria stood at a “constitutional crossroads,” stressing that democracy cannot thrive while “half the population is left standing at the door.”
Onyenucheya-Uko noted that leadership and national contribution “do not come with any gender label,” adding that the future of the country depends on a legislature that reflects the population it serves.
Historical Context: How Women Fell Behind in Political Representation
Onyenucheya-Uko traced the historical inequalities faced by women in politics, noting that while elections began in 1923, women in southern and eastern Nigeria gained voting rights only in 1954, and their northern counterparts in 1979.
She added that long years of military rule entrenched male dominance in governance and limited women’s access to political leadership.
“Reserved Seats Are a Corrective Tool”—FIDA
“Reserved seats for women are not a gift; it is a corrective tool and a long-overdue restructuring,” she said. “It aligns with FIDA Abuja’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive legislation and ensuring that Nigerian women are not just voters, but leaders and decision-makers.”
She called on policymakers to pass the Reserved Seats Bill without delay, urging political parties to admit qualified women into leadership contests. She also encouraged Nigerian women to take their place in governance “whether reserved or hard-won.”
“As we begin our Law Week, FIDA Abuja stands firm and unapologetic: A future legislature that does not include women is not a democratic future,” she said.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Law Week Committee, Mrs. Wendy Kuku, SAN, said FIDA remains committed to building a Nigeria where laws guarantee equal access to opportunity and leadership.
She added that the Law Week comes at a time when national discussions about women’s representation are gaining momentum.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
