Founder, AWIPA Women’s Foundation, Heavens Olawumi, has called for support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349) before the National Assembly.
Heavens, who also leads the African Women in Politics Arise (AWIPA) Platform, made the appeal following a symbolic march to the National Assembly on September 22, which coincided with the public hearing on the bill.
She described the Bill as the outcome of months of grassroots mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and sustained advocacy, saying it represented the demand of women for greater political inclusion.
“The Reserved Seats Bill is not just another proposal; it is the result of deliberate strategy, stakeholder dialogue and grassroots mobilization across states. This bill is a generational dream, and the moment has come for Nigeria to act,” she said.
Olawumi said Nigeria, as Africa’s “big brother,” must lead the way in promoting inclusive democracy. Citing Rwanda and Senegal, she noted that both countries have achieved significant social and economic progress through gender-balanced governance.
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