Pass reserved seats bill now, UN Women GEWE tells NASS as Ondo marks 16 days of activism

The Ondo State Coordinator of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Programme of UN Women, Mrs. Olabisi Omolona, has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Reserved Seats Bill for Women, describing it as a historic opportunity to correct Nigeria’s longstanding political imbalance.

She made the call on Thursday, 5th December, 2025 during a press conference held at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Akure, as part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Mrs. Omolona who noted that while the 16 Days of Activism is marked worldwide, said the campaign in Ondo State represents more than symbolic advocacy.

According to her, many women and girls in the state continue to experience various forms of violence—physical, emotional, economic, structural and political.

She emphasized that political exclusion remains one of the most damaging but overlooked forms of violence against women in Nigeria.

“Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest globally in women’s political representation, with barely four percent in the National Assembly,” she lamented.

“This means more than half of Nigeria’s population is represented by less than five percent of its lawmakers. This is neither democracy nor justice.”

Mrs. Omolona explained that the Reserved Seats Bill seeks equitable representation for women at national and state levels, stressing that it is not a plea for charity but a demand for fairness in a system historically tilted against women.

She cited countries such as Rwanda, South Africa, and Senegal where similar affirmative action policies have strengthened governance and accelerated development.

Highlighting GEWE’s engagements across Ondo State—in Akoko, Owo, Akure South, Idanre, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa and other communities—she said the programme has trained, mentored and empowered numerous women who are ready to lead but constrained by entrenched systemic barriers.

She recalled an encounter with a respected woman in Akure South who said politicians depend on women during elections but shut them out afterward, a sentiment she described as symbolic of a nationwide reality.

The Coordinator noted that female political participation has a proven impact on peacebuilding, education, healthcare, economic planning and community wellbeing. She emphasized that more women in leadership would strengthen policies on maternal health, gender-based violence, youth empowerment and inclusive development.

Mrs. Omolona appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups and the media to champion the push for the bill, challenge stereotypes and support the fight against gender inequality.

She also encouraged women and girls across Ondo State to recognize their worth and rightful place in decision-making spaces.

“As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, let this gathering stand as a declaration that violence against women—physical, emotional, economic, structural, digital and political—must end,” she said.

She concluded with a strong message of optimism “Nigeria is ready. Ondo State is ready. Our communities are ready. And together, we will make equality a reality.”

Also speaking during the press conference, the South-West Secretary of the group, Mr. Sola Oladeji, said the essence of the campaign is to take a stand and speak up for women and girls across the region.

He emphasized the need to extend advocacy efforts to every nook and cranny of Ondo State, adding that the fight must also target emerging forms of abuse such as digital violence.

Oladeji urged the media to rise to the occasion by tracing the sources of unethical and harmful online content and ensuring responsible reporting.

He noted that the initiative would not be a one-off intervention but a continuous statewide advocacy, and called for the establishment of a gender desk in every community to facilitate prompt reporting and coordinated action on gender-related violations.