Hansatu Adegbite Rallies Women to Back Reserved Seat Bill, Join Pressure Groups for National Impact

 By Genesis ogiri 

Abuja, Nigeria — At the prestigious Connect Her Network Conference held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Ambassador Hansatu Adegbite, National Consultant for Private Sector Partnerships at UN Women, delivered a rallying cry for women to claim their place at the table of influence. Speaking to a hall filled with distinguished women leaders, innovators, and advocates, Adegbite challenged attendees to move beyond conversation and take deliberate action to secure a stronger voice in decision-making spaces.

In her keynote address at the Connect Her Network Conference, Ambassador Hansatu Adegbite charged women to rally behind and actively participate in the ongoing campaign for the Reserved Seat Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a pivotal step toward institutionalizing gender balance in governance.

“If we want a future where women are not just invited to the table but are part of designing the table itself, then we must stand together and push this bill forward,” she declared, her words drawing nods of agreement from dignitaries in the hall and from online participants following the conference in real time.

Ambassador Hansatu Adegbite underscored the urgency for women to rise above passive advocacy and take strategic action in shaping society. She stressed that foresight, insight, and preparedness are not just admirable traits but essential tools for breaking systemic barriers.

“Women must be deliberate in building influence,” she declared, her voice carrying both conviction and urgency. “We cannot afford to wait for change to find us—we must create it. Joining credible pressure groups amplifies our collective voice, making it strong enough to shift policies and mindsets.”

In a session with journalists on the sidelines, Adegbite identified economic disempowerment as a major reason women remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s development agenda. “Without financial power, women are often excluded from the tables where decisions are made,” she observed, further noting that gender-based violence and the scarcity of leadership positions for women continue to erode progress.

Her call to action extended beyond women to the men in their lives. “When men encourage their wives and daughters to lead, they are not giving up power; they are multiplying it for the good of the entire society,” she said, underscoring the need for male allyship in dismantling structural barriers.

Adegbite’s contribution added a decisive voice to a conference rich with advocacy. The gathering also recognized trailblazing women from diverse sectors with awards of excellence, celebrating achievements in leadership, innovation, and social impact. Both physical and online participants engaged in robust conversations on how technology, mentorship, and community networks can break barriers and open doors for women worldwide.

The Connect Her Network Conference closed on a high note — not just as a celebration of women’s achievements, but as a rallying call for sustained activism, collaboration, and policy engagement to secure a more inclusive future.

In a pointed appeal to the nation’s men, Adegbite underscored the importance of allyship in dismantling systemic barriers. “When men encourage their wives and daughters to lead, they are not giving up power; they are multiplying it for the good of the entire society,” she remarked, drawing nods from the audience.

Her comments added weight to a conference already rich with calls for unity, innovation, and collective action — a gathering where voices from Nigeria and the diaspora converged to reimagine the future of gender balance.

She underscored the importance of joining pressure groups, staying strategically prepared, and sharpening foresight to anticipate shifts in society’s power structures. “If we want transformation, we must be ready to influence it,” she declared, her words resonating with the conference’s theme of bridging opportunities and empowering women globally.

The Connect Her Network Conference, founded by Ambassador Victoria Ogwuche Ojiah, brought together a cross-section of female achievers from diverse sectors to share insights, foster mentorship, and build sustainable networks. The event also marked the official launch of the Connect Her app—an innovative platform designed to break barriers, connect women across borders, and provide access to mentorship, resources, and collaboration opportunities.

Awards of excellence were presented to outstanding women whose work has significantly impacted their industries and communities. Honorees included Ambassador Dr. Ogochukwu Okekpolo for leadership in gender equality, Ambassador Mary Olubunmi Gbadewole for excellence in real estate development, Engr. Tolulope Longe for advancing women in engineering, and Ambassador Eugenia Ogechi for community service. 

Adegbite’s speech served as the emotional and strategic anchor of the day—reminding attendees that the true measure of empowerment lies not only in opportunity but in the readiness to seize it. Her call for intentional engagement and collaborative action captured the spirit of a gathering that was as much about vision as it was about celebration.

Dr. Hansatu Adegbite’s message resonated as both a challenge and a rallying cry — a reminder that gender equality will not be gifted but earned through unity, strategic engagement, and persistence. By urging women to back the Reserved Seat Bill and join forces in credible advocacy platforms, Adegbite aligned her call with the Connect Her Network Conference’s vision: empowering women to connect, collaborate, and claim their rightful place in leadership and decision-making.