by FIDAKogi West Speaks: A Grassroots Call for Women’s Constitutional Representation
From council chambers to community halls, a powerful message echoed across Kogi West: women deserve a constitutional seat at the table.
On May 23, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, in collaboration with consortium partner FOMWAN, convened a district-level townhall meeting that united 30 influential stakeholders—including traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Justice, civil society organizations, academia, and local government officials.
More than just a gathering, this event marked a strategic and coordinated effort to elevate grassroots voices in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. The townhall culminated in the development of a community-driven memorandum—rooted not in theory, but in authentic dialogue and consensus—calling for the allocation of special seats for women in Nigeria’s parliament.
This critical engagement, supported by UN Women and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government, underscores a key truth: meaningful constitutional reform begins from the ground up.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to amplifying community voices and advancing gender-inclusive governance across the country.
#SpecialSeatsReserved4WomenBill
#HerSeatInParliament
#SideBySideCampaign
by FIDAAdvocacy Townhall in Lokoja Advances Demand for Special Seats for Women
In Lokoja, voices were raised—not in protest, but with purpose.
FIDA Nigeria, in partnership with FOMWAN, convened a one-day advocacy townhall that brought together women’s groups, civil society organizations, political parties, artisans, market women, and persons with disabilities. These participants were not passive observers—they were active contributors to a growing national dialogue on inclusive governance.
The focus of the engagement was the development of a community-informed memorandum calling for the allocation of special seats for women in Nigeria’s parliament. Grounded in lived experiences and shared realities, the discussions reflected a collective understanding: inclusion must be deliberate, and it must be reflected in the constitution.
Supported by UN Women and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government, the townhall reinforced the importance of grassroots engagement in shaping national policy priorities.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to advancing legal and policy frameworks that promote equitable representation and meaningful participation in governance.
#SpecialSeatsReserved4WomenBill
#HerSeatInParliament
#ReservedSeatsNow
by FIDAMale Champions in Lokoja Back Special Seats for Women
Change gains momentum when key actors take deliberate steps. In Lokoja, 30 male champions convened for a one-day HeForShe advocacy meeting to support women’s political inclusion in Nigeria.
Their purpose was clear—amplify the demand for gender-balanced representation without overshadowing the voices of women. During the session, participants contributed to and finalized a memorandum endorsing the allocation of special seats for women in Nigeria’s parliament. This move signals a shift in perspective: gender inclusion is not exclusive to women—it is a collective responsibility.
The advocacy meeting was facilitated by FIDA Nigeria, with support from UN Women and funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government.
FIDA Nigeria continues to engage with stakeholders who are committed to structural reforms that promote equitable representation at all levels.
#SpecialSeatsReserved4WomenBill
#HerSeatInParliament
#SideBySideCampaign
by FIDAFIDA Kogi advocacy visit to the commissioner of police
FIDA Kogi, on an advocacy visit to the commissioner of police for a call to stand against rape and the domestication of the VAPP act.
by FIDASensitization walk to the State CID and Kogi State house of assembly
FIDA Kogi in collaboration with the National Association of Female Journalist (NAWOJ), engaged in a sensitization walk to the State CID and Kogi State house of assembly in furtherance of the 16 days of activism. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill was presented at the floor of the house for the first time.
#16days
#SayNoToGbv
