WIMBIZ Calls on Nigerians to Support Reserved Seats Bill for Women
The Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has urged Nigerians, especially women, to actively support the Reserved Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly. The bill seeks to increase the number of women who hold political positions in government and ensure fair representation in leadership roles across the country. This call was made by the Executive Director of WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, during Day Two of the 2025 WIMBIZ Annual Conference held in Lagos.
Akingbohungbe explained that the Reserved Seats Bill is not just a political request but a necessary step toward gender balance and equity in governance. She encouraged women to contact their elected representatives in the state and national assemblies and ask them to support the bill. According to her, every citizen has the right to engage their lawmakers, and women should use their voices more strongly at this critical time.
She also noted that the bill may appear like a temporary solution, but it is a direct step toward increasing the number of women in leadership positions. She stressed that the shift will help shape fair decision-making processes that reflect the needs and perspectives of both women and men. She reminded the audience that the contact details of lawmakers are publicly available and urged women to take action instead of staying silent.
Akingbohungbe highlighted that WIMBIZ is committed to promoting gender parity in leadership and is working closely with other organizations to advocate for structural reforms. She shared that the organization has been involved in pushing for modern labour policies, including an increase in paid maternity leave to a minimum of 16 weeks and the introduction of paternity leave in workplaces to promote shared family responsibilities.
She also stated that WIMBIZ is demanding a minimum of 35 percent female representation on company boards and in executive leadership roles across the country. According to her, a more gender-balanced leadership structure will help drive productivity, creativity, and economic growth. She emphasized that women deserve a fair place in decision-making platforms and not just supportive roles.
Akingbohungbe further highlighted the achievements of WIMBIZ’s Big Sister mentorship initiative, which included reaching more than 1,500 secondary school girls in Abuja, Lagos, and Uyo this year. Through mentorship sessions on confidence-building, financial literacy, hygiene, career development, and entrepreneurship, the young girls were equipped with skills to prepare them for future opportunities.
She ended her address with a reminder that progress is stronger when women support each other. She encouraged every woman present to form real alliances and build networks that will create long-lasting social and economic impact. She led the audience in a unity pledge encouraging collaboration over competition.
With the Reserved Seats Bill still awaiting full legislative approval, WIMBIZ believes that now is the time for women to stand together and make their voices heard. The movement continues to grow nationwide as more Nigerians push for equal representation in governance.
