Monday, April 11, 2022 / 03:30AM / By WIMBIZ / Header Image Credit: WIMBIZ 

On behalf of the Founders, Leadership, Associates and Management Team of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), we highly commend the efforts of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) and its co-plaintiffs in securing the Federal High Court's (FHC) judgement in favour of Nigerian women on 35% Affirmative Action. 

This historic event took place on April 6, 2022, marking a victorious end to a two-year litigation. Significantly, co-plaintiffs included Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), International Federation of Women Lawyers, Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI), Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), Women in Politics Forum (WPF), YAGA Africa, and 100 Women Lobby Group. The feat would not have been possible without the dogged counsel of Falana and Falana Chambers, as represented by Barrister Marshal Abubakar. Women Radio (WFM 91.7) played a significant role in ensuring media visibility of the litigation. 

This is a remarkable step in what has been an arduous push for Nigerian women in recent times. On March 1, 2022, the first day of women's history month, the male-dominated Nigerian National Assembly voted against five bills which sought to promote greater equity, equality and representation for women in governance. This led to a protest by hundreds of women groups, including WIMBIZ, at the National Assembly gate, demanding a reversal. 

Prior to the announcement of the rejection of the gender bills H.E Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was notably present to show her support for their passage along with the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, other female ministers, legislators, government officials and the First Ladies of other states. The collective efforts of Nigerian women eventually proved progressive as the House of Representatives rescinded their decision on three out of the five bills. 

It is worth noting that, unknown to the general public, lobbying for the gender bills started several years and intensified over the past three years with various women

groups engaging key stakeholders. Among these included advocacy visits to the Senate leadership and Speaker of the House of Representatives by WIMBIZ, United Nations Women, the Ministry of Women Affairs & diverse women groups. 

The latest progressive feat is one worthy of celebration. WIMBIZ calls on all key stakeholders to ensure this new development allows for an enabling environment for women in governance and politics.