A group of Nigerian women protested in front of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, asking lawmakers to reconsider a gender bill they threw out.
The women tried to get into the National Assembly, but security guards stopped them.
They said rejection of the bill would deprive women of the ability to participate in and be represented in government.
At the federal parliamentary building’s entrance, the ladies contacted several legislators to find out how they voted.
On Tuesday, lawmakers had rejected a measure requesting more seats for women at the national and state parliaments.
Activists have said the vote against bills granting women more autonomy was symptomatic of what is still a deeply conservative society.
The women who occupied the gate of the National Assembly in protest, gathered early at the three-arm zone and marched to the National Assembly gate chanting songs of solidarity.
The protest comes less than 24 hours after the bill seeking to provide special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly failed.
The Bill titled ‘Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Special Seat for Women in the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for Related Matters,’ failed after most of the lawmakers voted against it.
