FIDA Nigeria Leads Advocacy for Reserved Legislative Seats for Women in Adamawa

News:The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, in collaboration with UN Women and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, convened a one-day state-level “HeForShe” advocacy and town hall meeting to galvanize support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. In a significant step toward enhancing women’s political representation in Nigeria, a coalition of local and international organizations—including UK International, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and UN Women—hosted a high-level advocacy and town hall meeting in Yola, Adamawa State. The event, held at Lamido Zubairu Hall in Yola South Local Government Area, aimed to consolidate memoranda and build consensus ahead of the constitutional reform zonal public hearings. The town hall, themed “Advocacy and Town Hall Meeting Towards Building Consensus and Consolidating Memoranda for the Constitutional Reform Committee,” focused on promoting the Special Seats Bill—a legislative proposal seeking to reserve additional seats for women at both state and federal legislative levels. Speaking at the event, FIDA Nigeria Country Vice-President, Eliana Martins, emphasized the importance of community engagement in driving the bill forward. “We are happy to be here in Adamawa State, engaging the wonderful people as we push for increased women’s political participation. The Special Seats Bill reserves three seats for women, offering capable and credible women the opportunity to represent their communities in both national and state assemblies,” she said. The forum brought together traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, government representatives, and concerned citizens. Among the notable voices of support was Bishop Emos Iyakubu, former Bishop of the MCC Diocese in Yola, who described the initiative as long overdue. “Our cultural and religious traditions have often sidelined women. But this advocacy is timely and necessary to enlighten both women and men. Women are not weak vessels—they are powerful and capable. We must encourage them to participate in politics and leadership,” he said. Similarly, Imam Aliyu Usman provided a religious perspective, acknowledging that while traditional Islamic teachings may appear to discourage direct competition between men and women, current societal realities demand inclusive participation. “Women are naturally patient and skilled in managing responsibilities. In today’s context, it is not only permissible but necessary for them to contribute to national development,” he remarked. Also speaking was Jamila Babuba, Chairperson of the International Commission on Immigrant Law and Human Rights in Nigeria, who highlighted the broader scope of the bill. “This project goes beyond Adamawa; it is a national agenda. We are advocating for three female members in each State House of Assembly, two in the House of Representatives, and one female senator from every state. FIDA Adamawa is leading this charge due to its longstanding commitment to the rights of women and children,” she stated. The session concluded with participants pledging continued advocacy, education, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the bill receives the necessary support in the National Assembly.