ABUJA — The President of the Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP), Hon. Dr. Florence Igbinigie, has called on government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations and Nigerians to support the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill and adopt policies that will expand opportunities for women to participate in leadership and governance.
Igbinigie made the call in a message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, urging stakeholders to promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and create more opportunities for women to take up leadership roles.
She noted that the future of Nigeria cannot be effectively built without the active participation of women in decision-making at every level.
According to her, the global celebration of International Women’s Day, with the United Nations theme, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” provides an opportunity to recognise the resilience, achievements and contributions of women to national development.
“As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026, I join millions of women and men across Nigeria and the globe to honour the strength, courage, resilience and remarkable achievements of women,” she said.
Igbinigie observed that women have remained the backbone of families, communities and the nation, yet continue to face barriers to equal representation, opportunities and recognition.
“Women have always been the backbone of our families, communities and nation. Yet, despite our immense contributions to national development, women continue to face barriers to equal representation, opportunities and recognition. This must change,” she stated.
She reaffirmed FONWIP’s commitment to advocating greater inclusion of women in leadership and governance.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that empowering women is not just about fairness, it is about building stronger societies, advancing democracy and ensuring sustainable development,” she said.
Igbinigie therefore urged government institutions, political parties, civil society groups and Nigerians to support policies that promote gender equality and ensure wider participation of women in leadership.
She also called on Nigerian women across the country to remain confident in their aspirations and leadership potential.
“To every Nigerian woman — young and old, in the cities and rural communities, your voice matters, your dreams are valid and your leadership is needed,” she added.
She further stressed that the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill would help create a more inclusive society and strengthen women’s participation in governance.
