Abuja, Nigeria — A coalition of women with disabilities under the umbrella of the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) has applauded the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for explicitly including women with disabilities in the ongoing Reserved Seats for Women Bill, describing it as a landmark stride towards inclusive governance and true democracy in Nigeria.
At a press conference in Abuja, members of NWD, alongside partners, donors, and allies, welcomed the revised draft of the Reserved Seats Bill, which now guarantees explicit representation for women with disabilities in elective politics. The coalition described the development as a “beacon of hope” for marginalized groups and a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s chronic underrepresentation of women in governance.
A Milestone in Women’s Political Representation
Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest in the world when it comes to women’s political participation, with women occupying less than 5% of legislative seats at both the federal and state levels, despite representing nearly half of the population.
The Reserved Seats Bill, now under revision in preparation for a national public hearing, introduces direct elections through separate ballots for these seats. Significantly, the amended draft explicitly acknowledges women with disabilities, ensuring they are not excluded from the democratic process.
“This bill is more than just legislation—it is a historic opportunity to amplify the voices of women, especially women with disabilities, who face triple discrimination: as women, as persons with disabilities, and as citizens navigating systemic exclusion,” said Lois Auta, Founder and President of NWD.
Why This Inclusion Matters
According to advocates, women with disabilities are often denied equal access to political, social, and economic platforms due to structural barriers, stigmatization, and gender bias. The explicit inclusion in the Reserved Seats Bill directly addresses these challenges.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the 1999 Constitutional Review Committee, described the development as a commitment to “inclusive governance, not tokenism.”
Other voices echoed the sentiment:
- Barr. Ebere Ifendu, President of Women in Politics Forum, insisted that women and women with disabilities must be prioritized in Nigeria’s political leadership system.
- Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, Founder of The Osasu Show Foundation, called the bill “a revolutionary act of justice” vital for nation-building and tackling gender-based discrimination.
- Yeside Olasimbo Aminat, Special Assistant on Women Affairs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, reaffirmed her office’s commitment to equal rights and opportunities for women.
Commendations to Stakeholders
The coalition expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Yeside Olasimbo Aminat, as well as institutional partners including UN Women, UNDP, FCDO, INEC, and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
NWD also acknowledged the unwavering support of disability organizations and women-led advocacy groups that have pushed for the inclusion of marginalized voices in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Call to Action: A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Democracy
The NWD, which boasts over 100,000 members nationwide, has pledged to mobilize heavily for the upcoming National Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, in Abuja. The group emphasized that its presence will send a strong signal of the unshakable commitment of women with disabilities to secure inclusive representation.
“We call on all members of the 10th Assembly to rise to the occasion, pass this bill, and inscribe their names in gold. This is an opportunity to leave behind a legacy of justice, inclusion, and equality that will shape Nigeria’s democracy for generations to come,” Auta said.
Partners Standing in Solidarity
The statement was jointly signed by partner organizations:
- Falconscare Initiative for Women Disabilities Empowerment (FIWDE)
- Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF)
- Lois and Innocent Institute (LIL)
- Sussan’s Unique Oasis Foundation (SUOF)
- Young Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Network (YPWDN)
- Equal Basis Development Initiative (EBDI)
- Disabled People in Leadership Initiative (DPLI)
The Bigger Picture
The Reserved Seats Bill represents not just a legislative reform but a new chapter in Nigeria’s quest for an inclusive democracy. For women with disabilities, it is a long-awaited recognition of their role as equal partners in nation-building.
As preparations for the public hearing continue, all eyes are now on the National Assembly to see whether it will seize this opportunity to rewrite Nigeria’s political history with fairness, courage, and inclusivity.
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