THE RESERVED SEATS FOR WOMEN’S BILL – The South-South Call To Inclusion

The Gender Agenda: A South-South Call to Action for Women's Political Representation

In a stirring episode of Gender Agenda aired on AIT Live, the conversation centered around the urgent push for the passage of the "Reserved Seats for Women" bill in Nigeria.

Hosted by Dr. Adora Sydney-Jack, the program brought together key female advocates from the South-South region to discuss the momentum, challenges, and aspirations surrounding this landmark legislative effort aimed at increasing women's representation in governance.

The episode opened with a reflection on the journey of the bill, from public hearings to grassroots mobilization, and emphasized the growing solidarity across communities. The host highlighted the importance of policy literacy, not just literary engagement, as the show seeks to empower women with the tools to influence national discourse.

Madam Ebie Eie, South-South Coordinator for the advocacy coalition, expressed optimism and gratitude for the support received from governors, first ladies, commissioners, and councilors across the region. She underscored that over 80 countries have successfully implemented gender quotas, and Nigeria must not lag behind. Her message was clear: South-South women are not just participants in politics, they are leaders, decision-makers, and catalysts for change.

Ambassador Betel GU, representing Cross River State, detailed the inclusive efforts made during the public hearings, from engaging traditional rulers to market women and student unions. She praised the state's leadership, particularly the governor and his wife, for championing the cause. Her appeal to parliamentarians was heartfelt: passing the bill would empower women and lead to better governance and economic equity.

Oane Bare Oko, Delta State Coordinator, echoed similar sentiments, celebrating the proactive steps taken by her state’s leadership. She cited the unprecedented appointment of female vice chairpersons in every local government and the allocation of reserved seats for female councilors. Her confidence in Delta’s senators to support the bill was unwavering, and she called on women to step into politics with their full range of skills and talents.

The editorial took a deeper turn when addressing the resistance to the bill. Critics questioned its constitutionality, financial implications, and necessity. But the panelists responded with a plea, not for superiority, but for inclusion. They argued that Nigeria’s underperformance on the global stage is partly due to the absence of women’s voices in decision-making. The bill is not a token gesture; it is a structural correction to decades of imbalance.

Mentorship emerged as a critical theme. The speakers lamented the generational gap in political mentorship and called on seasoned female politicians to guide the next wave of leaders. They praised organizations like ITeachHer and various civil society groups for their grassroots efforts but insisted that mentorship must become a sustained, institutionalized practice.

As the national public hearing looms on September 22 and the parliamentary vote on October 14, the message to Nigerian citizens was unequivocal: show up, speak out, and demand change. The episode closed with a powerful charge to legislators and the public alike, this is the moment to rewrite history and ensure that 50% of Nigeria’s population is no longer sidelined.

The final moments were marked by gratitude to the first ladies and a musical tribute to justice and development, echoing the voices of women across Nigeria who are ready to lead, serve, and shape the future.