In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by the Chairperson, Nkechinyere Oginyi, and the Secretary, Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi, the association aligned itself with the national leadership of NAWOJ and sister chapters across the federation in demanding swift legislative action on the bill.
The group said the continued marginalisation of women in legislative institutions amounts to a democratic deficit that weakens governance and accountability.
“No democracy can truly thrive when half of its population remains marginalised in political leadership and decision-making processes,” the statement read.
NAWOJ stressed that the Special Seats Bill is not about privilege or tokenism but about justice and deliberate structural reform aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
For decades, the association noted, Nigerian women have demonstrated competence and leadership across sectors including law, education, business, media, and public service, yet political representation has failed to reflect this reality.
Focusing on Ebonyi State, NAWOJ lamented that the state has never produced a female senator and currently has no woman representing it in the State House of Assembly. According to the group, only two women represent Ebonyi constituencies in the Assembly, a situation it described as a clear indication of political marginalisation.
The association therefore demanded that Ebonyi State be allocated at least one special seat for a female senator under the proposed legislation to guarantee representation for women at the Senate.
NAWOJ Ebonyi called on all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members representing the state at the National Assembly to rise above partisan interests and vote in favour of the bill without dilution or delay. It also urged the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to publicly endorse national efforts aimed at increasing women’s political representation.
The group further appealed to political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, and community leaders across the state to lend visible and vocal support to the reform.
According to NAWOJ, inclusive governance enhances accountability, improves policy responsiveness, and accelerates socio-economic development, insisting that women’s empowerment in leadership positions is a constitutional and democratic imperative.
As part of its advocacy strategy, the association disclosed plans to engage key stakeholders and lawmakers, organise media campaigns to educate the public on the importance of the bill, and collaborate with women groups, youth organisations, and civil society actors to sustain public discourse until meaningful legislative action is achieved.
Describing the moment as pivotal for Nigeria’s democracy, NAWOJ Ebonyi declared that support for the Special Seats Bill represents a vote for equity, inclusive governance, and a stronger, more representative nation.
“Ebonyi women are watching. Nigeria is watching. History is watching,” the statement concluded.
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