A coalition, Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS), in partnership with the Toby Jug Foundation, has thrown its weight behind the proposed Special Seat for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a necessary step toward inclusive governance in Nigeria.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday in commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day, the groups said the bill would help address the persistent underrepresentation of women in elective political offices across the country.

The statement, jointly signed by Comrade Glory Sunday for RWUS and Grace Dappa for the Toby Jug Foundation, noted that despite the enormous intellectual, economic and social contributions of women, their presence in the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly remains disproportionately low.

They attributed the imbalance not to lack of competence but to structural and systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s access to political participation and leadership positions.

According to the groups, the Special Seat for Women Bill represents a bold corrective mechanism that would promote gender-balanced leadership, strengthen democracy and harness the full potential of Nigeria’s female population.

The organisations also urged members of the National Assembly to support the passage of the bill and called on state Houses of Assembly to back constitutional amendments that promote gender inclusion.

They further encouraged civil society organisations, religious institutions, traditional rulers and youth groups to publicly support the proposed legislation.

While celebrating the resilience and contributions of women to national development, the groups called on Nigerian women to remain politically conscious, support policies that promote gender equity and mentor younger generations.

They stressed that inclusive governance strengthens democracy, adding that equitable representation of women in decision-making processes would lead to stronger families, more responsive policies and thriving communities.

The groups reaffirmed their commitment to the advancement of women in leadership and governance, describing the Special Seat for Women Bill as a necessary instrument for justice, balance and sustainable national progress.