Women Radio 91.7 and Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation Host  Webinar On The Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

By Mariam Kolawole.

As part of efforts to sensitise Nigerian Youths on the HB1349 and charge them to advocate for Special Seats for Women, the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation (VOW) and Women Radio 91.7 hosted a webinar on Saturday, 16th August, 2025.

The webinar themed “Empowering young voices” featured Gender and Development experts, politicians and Activists as both speakers and Advisory to enlighten Nigerian Youths about House Bill 1349, the Reserved Seats Bill.

Speaking during the webinar, the CEO of Women Radio 91.7fm, Toun Okewale Sonaiya defined the HB1349 as “the Bill proposed to reserve seats for women in both the National assembly, and State houses of assembly to address the underrepresentation of Women in legislative bodies”.

Chikas Kumle, a politician and gender advocate, asserts that key national issues like Health, security, and education do not affect only one section of the population hence the need to broaden representation and enable women to contribute their quota to nation building.

Kumle outlined the benefits of the bill, saying it will bring transparency, sustain our democracy, address the gross imbalance in the house and  boost the reputation of the country. She reiterated that passing the bill will bring about legislation; policy drafting and law making that will reflect the needs of the entire population.

Communication and Public Affairs Analyst, Emmanuel Olonade in his address, stated that only 45 out of the 991 state of assembly members are women in the 36 states, with some states not having a female representative. He let the numbers speak as he outlined the underrepresentation of women with the data available stating that “…when we do not have women there, when they are not being given a voice, they are underrepresented which is why we are clamouring for this bill 1349 to be passed.”

In the same vein, Media Practitioner- Rebecca Gamaliel, stated that “…for too long, Nigerian women have been underrepresented where the law and policies are shaped.” She further explained that the Bill seeks to address the historical imbalance, promote inclusive governance that reflects the realities of our population and ensure that decisions are shaped by women and men equally and meaningfully.

Yeye Bunmi Dipo Salami clarified that the Bill is a special vehicle that gives women access to the table and gives legitimacy to the democracy we practise.

To address concerns about nepotism, tribalism and gender wars, the panelists emphasised that the Bill is to expand democracy and promote an inclusive Nigeria. As Gamaliel asserts that “the Bill just means we are expanding the table so that more voices, more perspectives and experiences can be heard.”

Gamaliel also reiterated that the seats are eligible for only women who pass constitutional requirements stating that “the Bill will make it a legal obligation for political parties under INEC supervision and this will make sure that women fill the seats.”

Development and Gender Expert, Austin Aigbe affirmed that “the Bill is not competitive, it is complimentary.”

Olonade underscored the need for allyship, advocacy to legislators, traditional rulers and faith leaders, engagement with CSOs, Infuencer partnership, localised grassroot engagement, and townhalls to promote the Bill.

Also speaking, veteran activist and human rights advocate, Ene Ede emphasised the need for the bill stating that “…you can’t advocate for something you have not experienced” but identifying that we need a merger of both men and women.

The webinar concluded with Toun Okewale Sonaiya  urging the Nigerian youths to drive the cause, stating that the youth are drivers of modern advocacy, who can create a ripple effect that will reach every corner of Nigeria.