The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) and partners have renewed their call for inclusive governance, urging the National Assembly to urgently pass the Reserved Seats Bill. They described the bill as a lifeline for millions of women with disabilities whose voices remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s democracy.
At the National Public Hearing on the bill, held on September 22, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Global President of NWD, Ms. Lois Auta, presented a memorandum on behalf of women with disabilities across the country. In her passionate address, she reminded the gathering that “Nigeria’s democracy is incomplete without women, and especially women with disabilities.”
Ms. Auta used the platform to commend the 10th Assembly for recognizing disability rights in the draft bill, particularly the allocation of 12 percent representation for persons with disabilities.
“I sincerely and deeply want to appreciate the leadership of the 10th Assembly—the Senate and the Speaker—for including 12% for persons with disabilities, especially women. Please, a round of applause for the 10th Assembly. And we are also here to tell you that women with disabilities can become the best governors, the best senators, the best members of the House of Representatives, the best members of the State Houses of Assembly, and any elective or appointing positions. And don’t forget, there is productivity in disability. What did I say? There is productivity in disability. Include us, include us, include us, now!”
Her words echoed a powerful truth — that representation is not about sympathy, but about unlocking the capacity of women with disabilities to lead and contribute at every level of society.
Adding her voice, Grace Jerry, Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), underscored the urgent need to enshrine disability rights in Nigeria’s Constitution. She argued that while reserved seats are important, constitutional recognition would provide lasting protection and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“Disability affects every one of us—if it hasn’t reached you, it hasn’t passed you on. Disability must be explicitly recognized as a protected category under the Constitution. Specific rights should be included under Chapter 4, ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in every sphere of life. They shall be entitled to the rights provided herein, and also to special protection by the family, society, and the state,” she said.
Jerry further called for deliberate government action, urging authorities at all levels to support the teaching of sign language, ensure accessible infrastructure, and promote economic integration for persons with disabilities. She noted that her organization and partners had prepared concrete recommendations for constitutional amendments and would submit them for legislative consideration.In
Together, the NWD and its partners affirmed that true democracy cannot exist without full inclusion. The Reserved Seats Bill, coupled with explicit constitutional protections, they argued, is essential for building a Nigeria where no one is left behind.
#InclusiveFriends
#NWDNigeria
#WomenInPolitics
#GenderEquality
#NigeriaDemocracy