By Chidimma Okoye
The Social and Integral Development Center (SIDEC) Women of Resilience rallies round Awka to campaign for Legislative Support of Special Seat Bill for women.
The bill, which has passed its second reading in the National Assembly is aimed at creation of additional legislative seats specifically for women in the National and State Assemblies, as a way to correct historic exclusion and also create additional seats for persons living with disabilities.
The campaign took place in Awka as the group joined in the 2025 16 days activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) which had its team as UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.
In her speech, the leader of the group Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike said that the special seat bill will yield positive results when approved, saying that it will be fair to all in equity if both genders have due representation in all the legislative chambers.
She said that the agency is focusing on identity matters, under gender intersectionality with the interest of divorces, single mothers, widows, women with disabilities and the interest of the girl child, explaining that they are raising awareness, challenging norms, supporting GBV survivors with all aimed at creating safer spaces for women and girls.
According to her, the association is standing against all types of abuses and violence that have been done against woman, children, young girls and persons living with disabilities in their vulnerability even without anyone coming to their aid.
Mrs. Ehiahuruike said that the most recent and reigning abuse is cyber bullying, cyber stalking, online treats, trolling, spreading of rumours and lies.
She said that the law is against all forms of abuse including physical, Psychological, Emotional, online abuses as it kills women slowly when nothing is done to save the victim, stressing that the law will always have its way.
The executive director frowned at the incessant rate of rape against children, persons with disability and women in general, and enjoined them to speak up and seek for help once they see any sign or threat of abuse trying to rise.
“Women are not asking for equality with men, they are only asking for their respect and rights in the society.
“We are tired of emotional torture and midnight cries.
“Give us enabling environment of peace to maximize our potentials,” she said.
Ehiahuruike, therefore, enjoined legislators to approve the bill to ensure that women are carried along in legislative matters by giving them designated seats in the chambers for maximum representation of the gender.
Obiageli Peter from Amansea and a member of the group said that when the rights of women are denied from them, that it affect every area of the society including the homes.
Hon. Uju Ananwude from Ugbenu, urged women to always support women in administrative and elective to achieve set goals and endeavor not to be their stumbling block.
Hon. Juliet Ezenwosu from Aguata LGA, called on government at all levels to always give women their rights at their respective offices even at the grassroots of the state.
She enjoined legislators to consider the approval of special seat bill for women and PWDs to help develop the country more.
Hon. Favour Nworah, former woman leader of Ebenebe called on the public to give women chance in leadership positions and see their skills and capabilities.
She, however, frown against the vindictive measures taken against some women in their different worths of life when they refuse to give in to the sexual advances made at them.
Chidimma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
