The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Anambra State Chapter, has solidly declared her stand in support of the Special Seats Bill in solidarity with the Nigeria Women Solidarity March held on Monday, 16th February 2016, at the National Assembly, Abuja, in support of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria
The Special Seats Bill is not about privileges and entitlements, it shouldn’t be a token but should be about even and fair inclusivism for women. The bill is bothered on justice to correcting historical imbalance. It is about intentional strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy through structural reform.
The Special Seats Bill states a practical and strategic framework to bridge this gap and ensure inclusive representation.
In a statement in Awka, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika said, “As women journalists and advocates for equity, justice, and fairness, we declare that the continued underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislative sector poses a serious democratic imbalance.
“We join in the demand for the urgent passage of the Bill. The struggle for women’s political inclusion from national level requires deliberate engagement downward to the grassroots- State and Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“The advocacy for Special Seats Bill represents a structural solution to years of systemic exclusion hence we are calling on all stakeholders to treat this effort with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
Democracy can truly thrive only when all strata of the population is duly represented in both its political leadership and decision-making processes.
Over the decades, Nigerian women have shown competence, resilience, and capacity across various sectors hitherto dominated by the male counterparts often surpassing them, but this is yet to be seen in the political arena where such capacity representation has not reflected this reality. Every manifestation you see thus far is merely classical display of concession or tokenism.
Anambra State NAWOJ, therefore, calls on:
*All Female Lawmakers in all the National, State and Local Government Houses of Assemblies in Anambra State to do well and champion this cause with the fervency it deserves.
*All Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members representing Anambra State at the National Assembly to rise above stereotypes to vote in favour of the Bill without delay.
*The Anambra State House of Assembly to publicly endorse and support national efforts aimed at increasing women’s political representation.
Comrade Ifejika enjoined Political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders across Anambra State to lend visible and vocal support to this reform.
She pointed out that inclusivity in governance strengthens accountability, enhances policy responsiveness, and accelerates socio-economic development and balance, noting also that empowerment of women in leadership is not a concession, but a constitutional provision and a democratic imperative.
Anambra State NAWOJ Chairperson affirmed that as part of their coordinated state-level advocacy, Anambra State NAWOJ will:-
– Engage key stakeholders and lawmakers within the state.
– Organise strategic media engagements to educate the public on the importance of the Bill.-
– Collaborate with women groups, youth organisations, and civil society actors to amplify advocacy efforts, and
– Sustain public discourse until meaningful legislative action is achieved.
Ifejika further declared.,
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy.”A vote for the Special Seats Bill is a vote for equity.
“A vote for the Special Seats Bill is a vote for inclusive governance.”A vote for the Special Seats Bill is a vote for a stronger and fair representation in Nigeria”.
#Anambra women are waiting.
#Nigeriaisready.
#Evenandfairrepresentation
#Inclusionisnon-negotiable.
#Historybecons.
