It was an extraordinary morning in Jos as over 300 young women, under the platform of the Young Women in Politics Forum (YWIPF), Plateau State, took to the streets to demand political inclusion.
Gathering as early as 7:30 AM at Old Airport Junction, the women, joined by HeForShe allies, were dressed in orange and white, a symbolic display of unity and strength.
With placards boldly reading “Let’s Break Barriers by Passing the Special Seat Bill” and “Reserved Seats for Women Now!”, they marched with a unified purpose to press for the passage of the Special Seat Bill during a scheduled Public Hearing.
Their chants echoed across the streets, turning heads and drawing support from passersby and local business owners who paused to witness the moment.
The protest wasn’t just a show of strength, but a statement that young women are ready to actively shape the democratic process in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
The Special Seat Bill, currently under consideration, seeks to address the long-standing gender imbalance in Nigerian politics by reserving specific seats for women in both national and state assemblies.
Despite making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, women continue to be severely underrepresented in elected offices across the country.
From Old Airport Junction, the crowd marched in solidarity to the venue of the hearing at Crispan Hotel, signaling their seriousness and commitment to inclusive governance.
Inside the hearing room, many of the young women didn’t stop at the entrance they actively took part in proceedings, voicing their concerns and calling on lawmakers to act.
Their participation demonstrated that their activism is not confined to protests alone but extends to policy engagement and civic responsibility.
“We are not here to beg; we are here to take our rightful place,” declared one young woman boldly during the march, capturing the mood of the movement.
With their action, the push for women’s political representation in Plateau State has gathered fresh momentum, reminding everyone that change begins with showing up and speaking out.
