Introduction to FIDA Abuja’s Law Week
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, Abuja Branch, has called for the urgent passage of the Reserved Seats Bill, stating that Nigeria’s democracy remains incomplete without women’s full parliamentary representation. Chairperson Chioma Onyenaucheya-Uko made this declaration at a news conference marking the 2025 FIDA Abuja Branch Law Week, themed “Advancing Women’s Representation: The Reserved Seats and the Future of Nigeria’s Legislature.”
The Need for Women’s Representation
Onyenaucheya-Uko emphasized that Nigeria is at a “constitutional crossroads” and must correct decades of structural imbalance that have sidelined women from political leadership. The theme of the Law Week is timely, given the persistent exclusion of women in 2025. The chairperson highlighted the branch’s achievements, including expanding legal clinics for women, children, and persons with disabilities, strengthening sexual and gender-based violence response systems, and intensifying civic sensitization and pro bono legal services.
Historical Inequities and Gender Imbalance
The roots of gender imbalance in Nigerian politics can be traced to historical inequities. Women in southern and eastern regions gained voting rights only in 1954, while northern women waited until 1979. Military regimes between 1966 and 1999 entrenched male-only leadership, as all military Heads of State and state administrators were men, reinforcing the structural advantage against women in politics.
Reserved Seats for Women
Onyenaucheya-Uko stressed that reserved seats for women are neither favors nor handouts, but corrective justice, a structural reset, and an investment in national stability. The passage of the Reserved Seats Bill is linked to FIDA Abuja’s 2025 priorities. The chairperson urged policymakers to pass the bill without delay and called on political parties to dismantle barriers for women. She also encouraged the media to amplify narratives boosting women’s visibility as a path to empowerment.
Call to Action
Onyenaucheya-Uko called on partners and civil society organizations to fund advocacy initiatives and encouraged Nigerian women to actively claim legislative space. She insisted that a legislature without women cannot be considered democratic. The Law Week Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Wendy Kuku, SAN, stressed the need for increased women’s representation in governance, explaining that the initiative promotes understanding of reserved seats to strengthen democracy and improve governance outcomes.
Activities and Events
The 2025 Law Week includes keynote speeches and panel discussions with policymakers and gender advocates, as well as health and wellness exercises to engage participants and promote wellbeing. The program will also feature an advocacy walk for the Reserved Seats Bill and visits to FIDA-adopted hospital wards, aimed at supporting the welfare of vulnerable women and children across Abuja.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, Abuja Branch, has emphasized the need for urgent passage of the Reserved Seats Bill to ensure women’s full parliamentary representation in Nigeria. The organization has called on policymakers, political parties, and the media to support this initiative, which is crucial for the country’s democracy and stability.
FAQs
Q: What is the theme of the 2025 FIDA Abuja Branch Law Week?
A: The theme of the 2025 FIDA Abuja Branch Law Week is “Advancing Women’s Representation: The Reserved Seats and the Future of Nigeria’s Legislature.”
Q: Why is the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill important?
A: The passage of the Reserved Seats Bill is important because it will ensure women’s full parliamentary representation in Nigeria, which is crucial for the country’s democracy and stability.
Q: What activities are included in the 2025 Law Week?
A: The 2025 Law Week includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, health and wellness exercises, an advocacy walk for the Reserved Seats Bill, and visits to FIDA-adopted hospital wards.
Q: What is FIDA Abuja’s goal?
A: FIDA Abuja’s goal is to defend justice as a right, not a privilege, and to advance women’s rights and participation in governance.
