Abuja, Nigeria – Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative (WADHI) is taking center stage in the campaign for two landmark reforms—the Reserved Seat for Women Bill and the Independent Candidacy Bill—currently under public hearing at Nigeria’s National Assembly.
According to WADHI, these bills are historic interventions that could reshape Nigeria’s political and governance structures, where women currently occupy less than 7% of elective positions, one of the lowest in Africa.
The Reserved Seat Bill proposes:
One additional senatorial seat per state and the FCT exclusively for women
Two additional House of Representatives seats per state and the FCT for women
Reserved seats in all 36 State Houses of Assembly
“These provisions are not privileges but corrective measures designed to restore fairness and balance in governance,” said Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia (Mme.), CEO/Founder of WADHI, who also serves as Chair, Working Group on Inquiries and Focal Point, Gender Business and Human Rights at UN-CEDAW.
Global and African Context
Reserved seats for women have transformed political landscapes worldwide. Rwanda reserves 24 parliamentary seats for women, a policy that has helped it achieve the world’s highest female representation in parliament—over 60%. Uganda and Tanzania also guarantee parliamentary seats for women through constitutional provisions.
Globally, countries like India, Bolivia, and France have adopted gender quotas or parity laws to ensure women’s representation. Advocates say Nigeria now has a chance to align with these progressive democracies, while also fulfilling its obligations under the Maputo Protocol and CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women).
Specifically, the reforms advance CEDAW Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 13, which call for the elimination of discrimination against women, equal participation in public life, and the guarantee of constitutional and citizenship rights.
Expanding Democracy Through Independent Candidacy
The Independent Candidacy Bill—considered alongside the gender quota reforms—would allow individuals to contest elections without political party affiliation. This, Eghobamien-Mshelia explained, will broaden Nigeria’s democratic space and create pathways for youth, professionals, activists, and women leaders excluded by the dominance of political parties.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria
For WADHI and its partners, this public hearing represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The organization is calling on political parties, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and the electorate to rally behind these bills.
If passed, the reforms would:
End systemic discrimination against women in politics
Guarantee constitutional and citizenship rights
Harness the human capital of women and girls
Promote socio-economic benefits for all citizens
Safeguard inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable development
“Nigeria cannot afford to leave half of its population out of governance. These bills will bring us closer to a democracy that works for all,” Eghobamien-Mshelia said.
As Nigeria deliberates, the world’s eyes are on Abuja. The outcome could place the country among African and global leaders advancing inclusive governance and inspire other nations grappling with gender imbalance in political representation.
