By Nasir Shuaibu, Bauchi
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has renewed its call for reserved seats for women in parliament, citing inadequate representation and financial constraints as major barriers to women's participation in politics.
The organisation's Vice President (North), Hajiya Fatima Zakari, made the call on Saturday during activities marking NILOWV's 30th anniversary, themed “Rising Beyond Borders: 30 Years of Empowering Women Politically and Economically for National Development.”
Zakari said the organisation had spent three decades promoting voter education, women's leadership and economic empowerment, adding that greater support was needed to enable qualified women to compete effectively for political offices.
She urged stakeholders to support female candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need to address persistent challenges limiting women's access to political leadership.
The Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, who received an Award of Excellence and Humanitarian Service at the event, also called on women to participate actively in politics and support qualified female candidates seeking leadership positions.
She urged women to remain united despite their political differences, noting that solidarity among women was essential to achieving meaningful progress in governance and national development.
Similarly, the Bauchi State Chairperson of NILOWV, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to protecting women's voting rights and promoting their participation in political and leadership processes.
Contributing to the discussion, Dr. Abdul Ahmad Burra of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, and Dr. Sadiya Iliyasu urged women to overcome barriers to political participation, mentor younger women and mobilise support for female candidates at all levels of government.
The anniversary provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on NILOWV's contributions to women's political empowerment and the need for stronger female representation in decision-making institutions.
Our correspondent reports that the event brought together women from various groups who unanimously called for 50 per cent affirmative action and pledged to sustain the campaign for greater women's representation in politics.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities, including the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, in recognition of their contributions to society.
0 Comments