29/09/2025
THE PDP NATIONAL WOMAN LEADER'S CONTRIBUTIONS, SUPPORT, AND MOBILIZATION FOR THE RESERVED SEATS FOR WOMEN BILL (HB 1349 & SB 440)
The advancement of inclusive democracy and gender equity in Nigerian politics has found a dedicated and formidable champion in Hon. (Dr) Mrs. Amina Darasimi Bryhm, the National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Through her visionary leadership, she has been at the forefront of shaping discourse, building momentum, and mobilizing stakeholders in support of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349 & SB 440).
Her contributions have been multidimensional and strategic, cutting across:
• National Advocacy: Consistently using her office and platforms to amplify the voices of women, lobby decision-makers, and champion the passage of the Bill.
• Grassroots Mobilization: Driving awareness and sensitization campaigns among women at community levels, ensuring that the demand for inclusion resonates with ordinary citizens across Nigeria.
• Strategic Partnerships: Building alliances with civil society organizations, development partners, women’s groups, and the media to sustain pressure and broaden support for legislative reforms.
• Capacity Building: Organizing leadership, mentoring, and political training programs to prepare women for effective participation and performance once these reserved seats are actualized.
• Engagement with Legislators: Holding consultative meetings with members of the National and State Assemblies, ensuring that the case for women’s inclusion is backed by data, research, and policy-driven arguments.
• Public Enlightenment Campaigns: Spearheading nationwide dialogues, town halls, and media interventions to educate citizens on the importance of the Bill and the long-term benefits of women’s representation.
WHY THE RESERVED SEATS FOR WOMEN BILL MATTERS
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349 & SB 440) aims to increase women’s representation in Nigeria’s National and State Houses of Assembly. It seeks to institutionalize greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes by creating constitutional guarantees for more women in legislative positions.
The Bill amends Sections 77 (1) and 117 (1) of the Constitution, ensuring that the reserved seats are subject to direct elections like all other legislative seats. This means women will be elected by the people, further strengthening the legitimacy of their representation.
The principle is simple yet profound: women belong in all places where decisions are made. Excluding women from governance creates socio-economic disadvantages, while their inclusion strengthens democracy, accelerates economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians.
KEY BENEFITS OF WOMEN’S REPRESENTATION
• National Development Imperative: Women’s representation is a national issue with cross-cutting impact. When women are excluded, critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and social welfare receive inadequate attention, resulting in higher poverty, weaker institutions, and slower development outcomes.
• Economic Growth: Excluding women from leadership roles leads to measurable economic losses. Research shows that increasing women’s participation can:
a. Raise Nigeria’s GDP growth by up to 9% by 2025.
b. Channel greater investments into education, healthcare, and social welfare.
c. Enhance household and community-level economic stability.
d. Promote good governance and innovation through diverse perspectives.
• Strengthening Democracy: This Bill is not merely about increasing numbers. It is about deepening democracy, ensuring equity, and delivering inclusive governance that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
CALL TO ACTION
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is not just a women’s issue — it is a national agenda for progress. By investing in women’s leadership, Nigeria is investing in her democratic future, her economic prosperity, and the well-being of her citizens.
Let us all lend our voices and support to the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349 & SB 440). Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.