As the world marks International Women’s Day, the Gender Strategy Advancement International has urged the National Assembly of Nigeria to expedite the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill to address the persistent gender gap in political representation.

In a statement issued on Monday to commemorate the global event, the Executive Director of the organisation, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, said Nigeria must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to ensure women are adequately represented in governance and decision-making.

Sydney-Jack noted that despite the contributions of women across social, economic, cultural and political spheres, they remain significantly underrepresented in elected offices and key leadership positions.

She cited a recent report by the United Nations which warned that, at the current pace of progress, the global gender equality gap may take about 100 years to close.

According to her, the slow progress is largely driven by weak implementation of gender quotas, deep-rooted cultural barriers and limited access to financial resources that continue to restrict women’s opportunities and participation in leadership.

“In Nigeria, these global challenges are reflected in our political and governance landscape. The underrepresentation of women in leadership is not just a numerical deficit; it is a loss of diverse perspectives and inclusive governance capable of strengthening our democracy,” she said.

Sydney-Jack said the Reserved Seats for Women Bill remains a critical legislative intervention that can help bridge the representation gap and ensure that women’s voices are included in decisions that shape the nation’s future.

She called on lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the bill, describing it as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and democratic representation.

She said: “At Gender Strategy Advancement International, we believe that true equality cannot wait. Closing the representation gap requires bold, immediate action not gradual promises.

“That is why we continue to stand firmly behind the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, a transformative legislative measure designed to increase women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislatures and ensure that women’s voices are meaningfully included in the decisions that shape our nation’s future.

“We acknowledge the efforts of many of our leaders who have advocated for gender equality and social justice. But words must now be matched with decisions that reflect the urgency of the moment. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and enshrine meaningful gender inclusion into law and practice.”

The organisation also urged political parties to adopt and enforce internal gender quotas while providing resources, training and fair access to party structures for women seeking elective positions.

It called on the executive arm of government to champion gender-responsive policies that address structural barriers, expand financial inclusion and strengthen enforcement of existing gender equality provisions.

Sydney-Jack stressed that achieving equality requires urgent and deliberate action.