Cross River NAWOJ advocates speedy passage of Special Seats Bill (HB1349) to Fastrack inclusion of women in politics
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Cross River State Chapter, has called for the urgent passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) as a step towards amending the gender imbalance in governance at both state and national levels.
In a statement signed by the Chairperson of the Association, Comrade Rekpene Uket and the Secretary, Comrade Maria Ewa, in Calabar, NAWOJ said, “As an organization committed to promoting gender equity, social justice, and inclusive governance, NAWOJ Cross River State views the Special Seats Bill as a landmark legislative initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political and decision-making structures.
For years, Nigerian women have demonstrated competence, leadership, and capacity across all sectors; media, business, academia, civil society, and public service yet their representation in elective positions has remained unfairly low.
The Special Seats Bill (HB1349) seeks to correct this imbalance by creating additional legislative seats exclusively for women at the federal and state levels, thereby strengthening democratic participation and ensuring broader inclusion in governance.
By guaranteeing dedicated legislative seats for women at both the state and national assemblies, the Bill will provide a practical and constitutional mechanism to address barriers that have festered despite decades of advocacy and reform.
Increased women’s representation in Cross River State and others across the federation according to NAWOJ will enhance legislative responsiveness to issues such as education, healthcare, livelihoods, peacebuilding, and social protection which are key drivers of sustainable development at all levels of governance.
NAWOJ in the State publicly and unequivocally declares our full support for the Special Seats Bill, recognizing it as a structural solution to systemic exclusion of women from political representation.
The gender group maintain that inclusive governance is not just symbolic, but developmental and she stands to benefit immensely from broader policy priorities, improved social outcomes, and stronger accountability that embraces women’s leadership .
NAWOJ Cross River State urges all federal lawmakers, particularly Representatives and Senators from the State, to rise above partisan considerations and vote in favour of the Bill without dilution or delay.
As journalists and advocates, we remain steadfast in amplifying the voices of women and championing policies that foster equity, justice, and national progress.
The group stressed that the time for inclusive governance is now and the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) is a necessary step toward a more representative and equitable Nigeria.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
