REVIEW: In 2025, Nigerian women intensified push for gender reforms

Discussions around gender issues, especially women’s representation in parliament, intensified in Nigeria in 2025.

A legislative proposal, widely known as the Special Seats Bill or Reserved Seats Bill, was the primary focus of the discussion.

The bill, which has received widespread support from civil societies and state governments, including the Governors’ Forum, “signals a rare cross-sector push for institutional change,” Mabel Ade, founder of Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), noted.

Ms Ade described 2025 as a “catalytic year,” because old promises were interrogated.

“The real test ahead is whether Nigeria will translate the Beijing+30 momentum into enforceable laws, institutional reforms, and measurable increases in women’s political representation and safety,” she said.

Lydia Umar, the director of Gender Awareness Trust, corroborated Ms Ade’s opinion.

Full article.