11/11/2025
Hosts Landmark Workshop on Reserved Seats for Women Bill as Momentum Builds Nationwide
In a major step toward strengthening gender-inclusive governance in Nigeria, the Inclusive Access Development Initiative (IADI) convened a one-day Advocacy Workshop on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill in Gombe. The workshop brought together political leaders, civil society groups, traditional and religious figures, media practitioners, and youth advocates to deliberate on the passage and domestication of the historic Bill.
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill, currently advancing through its final stages at the National Assembly, seeks to amend the constitution to create additional women-only seats—one per state in the Senate, one in the House of Representatives, and three per state in the State Houses of Assembly—to promote equitable representation for women in leadership and governance.
Mr. Sadiq Yahaya , Executive Director of IADI, described the Bill as a “bold and necessary reform to correct decades of gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political landscape.” He stated that women constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population but hold less than five percent of elected offices, adding that “a democracy that excludes women is incomplete and unsustainable.”
In her keynote presentation, Ms. Zainab Abdulfatah, Project Lead at IADI, highlighted the Bill’s potential to transform Nigeria’s political architecture by embedding inclusion into the democratic process. She noted that the Bill would not only advance representation but also enhance policy responsiveness to issues affecting families, education, and communities.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Khalid Ahmed Kumo explained the legislative progress made and underscored the need for sustained public pressure and collaboration between civil society and lawmakers.
Participants, including traditional and religious leaders, youth representatives, and civil society actors, expressed overwhelming support for the Bill, describing it as both “timely and transformative.” His Royal Highness, the District Head of Doma, who served as Father of the Day, commended the engagement, noting that Gombe’s hosting of the event symbolizes the North-East’s readiness to embrace reform and lead the movement for inclusive leadership in the country.
At the close of discussions, a communiqué was adopted emphasizing stronger advocacy, interfaith and cultural engagement, and the use of digital platforms for civic mobilization. The event also featured the introduction of IADI’s Digital Civic Hub (DCH)—a technology-driven initiative to coordinate nationwide advocacy and track policy progress.
In her closing remarks, representative of the President of the USG Alumni Association, praised IADI for spearheading a movement that aligns with national aspirations for equity and sustainable democracy.
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