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In Nigeria, women constitute over 49% of our population. Despite this significant demographic presence, we are grossly underrepresented in politics and governance. The situation is further exacerbated by laws that render women stateless after marriage and deny them appointments based on indigenship.

The need for gender equality in Nigeria cannot be overstated. It's time for us to take action towards achieving this goal by demanding the re-introduction and passage of five critical gender bills in our country. These bills are:

 1. Bill to provide special seats for women at national assembly

2. Affirmative action for women in political party administration- 35 per cent of executive positions 

3. Another bill sought to grant citizenship to foreign-born husbands of a Nigerian woman. Already, a Nigerian man’s foreign-born wife is automatically a Nigerian citizen.

4. A bill on indigenship- married women should have a choice on state of origin and have access

5. Inclusion of at least ten percent affirmative action in favour of women in Ministerial appointments.

In 2022, the 9th  National Assembly threw out these bills, further cementing the disservice to Nigerian women socially, politically, and economically. Womanifesto, a feminist non political, women focused group with over 500 organisations across Nigeria, led the protest against the National Assembly after the bills were rejected. We have also continued with advocacy visits and media awareness on the bills and their impact on Nigerian women.

The United Nations has repeatedly emphasized that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful and prosperous society (UN Women). Yet here we are - half our population marginalized due to outdated laws and societal norms.

We must change this narrative now! We urge you to join us as we call on the National Assembly to re-introduce these five crucial gender bills into parliament with immediate effect. Your signature can make a difference; it can help ensure that every woman's voice counts equally within our society.

Womanifesto campaigns for gender equality and emancipation of Nigerian women and has been advocating for reintroduction and passage of these bills. Womanifesto is a member of the gender bill cluster supported by USAID and Palladium, which consists of WARDC, GECORN, NCAA, Gender Mobile and SAGE. 

Please sign this petition today! Let's demand justice for all Nigerian women together!