36,000 Bauchi Women Rally for Passage of Reserve Seats Bill!

36,000 Bauchi Women Rally for Passage of Reserve Seats Bill!

Reported by David Joshua| Sele Media Africa

In a powerful demonstration for gender inclusion, no fewer than 36,000 women in Bauchi State on Saturday rallied to demand the passage of the Reserve Seats Bill currently pending before the National Assembly. The bill seeks to guarantee dedicated legislative seats for women at the federal and state levels.

What Happened

• The rally, organized by the Women for Inclusive Governance Network in collaboration with other civil society organizations, drew participants from across Bauchi’s 20 local government areas.
• The women gathered at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, waving placards with messages such as “We Deserve a Seat at the Table” and “Equal Voice, Equal Nigeria.”
• They submitted a communique to Bauchi State lawmakers and representatives, urging them to support and champion the bill in the National Assembly.

What the Reserve Seats Bill Proposes

• The bill seeks to amend the Constitution to create reserved quotas for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
• Specifically, it proposes the creation of one special seat per senatorial district and two per federal constituency to be contested only by women.
• The bill aims to improve Nigeria’s poor ranking on global gender representation indices, where women make up less than 7% of lawmakers. [1]

Voices from the Ground

• Aisha Abdullahi, one of the organizers, said:
  “We are not asking for charity. We are demanding justice and balance in the system that governs us.”
  Zulaihat Bello, a market leader, added:
  “Women are already leaders in homes and communities. Why not in government too?”

Why It Matters

• The United Nations and civil society organizations have consistently urged Nigeria to implement affirmative action to correct political imbalance.
• According to UN Women, political participation is a core right and essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [2]
• Passing the Reserve Seats Bill could also bolster democracy by ensuring inclusive decision-making and stronger representation of grassroots concerns.

What to Watch

• Reactions from the National Assembly leadership and the likelihood of the bill making it to a public hearing.
• Support from major political parties, which may be crucial for passage and implementation.
• Whether other states replicate similar rallies to strengthen national momentum for gender-inclusive legislation.

Citations:

1. Premium Times: Women demand reserved legislative seats to boost inclusion
2. UN Women Nigeria: Report on Women’s Political Representation in Nigeria, 2025
3. Channels TV: CSOs push for passage of gender equality bills in Nigeria

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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