Gender Strategy Advancement International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has urged the national assembly to expedite the passage of the reserved seats for women bill to address the persistent gender gap in political representation.
In a statement issued on Monday to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, executive director of the organisation, said Nigeria must take decisive steps to improve women’s participation in governance.
She referenced a recent report by the United Nations which projects that, at the current pace, the global gender equality gap may take about 100 years to close.
Sydney-Jack said the slow progress is driven by weak implementation of gender quotas, entrenched cultural barriers and limited access to financial resources for women.
According to her, the situation is reflected in Nigeria, where women remain significantly under-represented in elected offices and decision-making positions despite advocacy by gender equality groups.
She said the gap in representation deprives the country of diverse perspectives and inclusive governance.
“At Gender Strategy Advancement International, we believe that true equality cannot wait. Closing the representation gap requires bold, immediate action, not gradual promises,” she said.
Sydney-Jack said the proposed reserved seats for women bill would provide a legislative framework to increase female representation in Nigeria’s legislatures and ensure women’s voices are included in national decision-making.
She urged lawmakers to prioritise the bill and demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and democratic representation.
The executive director also called on political parties to adopt and enforce internal gender quotas while providing resources and support for female candidates.
“It is time to move beyond rhetoric and enshrine meaningful gender inclusion into law and practice,” she added.
Sydney-Jack asked the executive arm of government to champion gender-responsive policies aimed at removing structural barriers, expanding financial inclusion and strengthening enforcement of existing gender equality provisions.
She said that the IWD commemoration should serve as a reminder that achieving equality requires urgent and deliberate action.
“Nigeria’s future depends on the active participation of women at every level of leadership and decision‑making,” she said.
“Together, we can close the gap, but only if we choose action over delay, inclusion over exclusion, and justice over inertia.”
