By Justina Auta
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the Reserve Seat Bill is a commitment to enhance women’s political representation and address gender disparity in governance.
Kalu, at a Special Dialogue on Reserved Seats Bill Under SheThePeople Platform, on Thursday in Abuja, said that the bill was not an act of tokenism.
He was represented by Dr Sam Hart, his Chief of Staff, at the dialogue which was hosted by Emerge Women Development Initiative in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Centre for Women Development (ECWD).
Its theme was, “Deepening the Conversation, Accelerating Women’s Representation in Governance”.
The deputy speaker stressed the need to examine provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and ensure that they promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“This bill is not just a piece of legislation, neither is it an act of tokenism.
“It is proof of our collective commitment to change the narrative and to disrupt the status quo that has long sidelined women from decision making tables,” he said.
Kalu stressed the need to examine the electoral laws, party politics and societal norms that hinder women’s representation and create an inclusive and equitable society.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to advocate for policies that will see women, not as tokens, but as equal partners in governance, urging all stakeholders to commit towards gender equality.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, advised women to keep pushing for the passage of the bill.
“Start talking to the party people. Let there be a law that if you do not meet certain quota, you are not going to run for elections, not just in elective but also at appointment.
“So, they should make it possible that at least 35 per cent are women, so that they could also be able to bring 35 per cent or more that will be party executives.
“This will also have women that make primaries, which will help them contest during elections,” she said.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, said that the bill would deepen democracy, enrich governance with inclusivity, and ensure that decision-making reflects the full diversity of the nation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim was represented by Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Leader, All Progressive Congress (APC).
She said that the bill would also enhance Nigeria’s global standing and position as a credible leader in advancing gender equality across Africa and beyond.
Mrs Mary Ikoku, Founder, SheThePeople platform, said that the reserved seats for women will ensure inclusive representation and reflect the diversity of Nigerian society.
“We are not asking for favour. What we are asking for are just constitutional rights of women and girls to have rights to leadership,” she said.
Meanwhile, Aisha Yesufu, a renowned political and human rights activist, during a panel discussion, urged the National Assembly to pass a bill to enable the country thrive and promote gender equity.
“The Ninth Assembly has come and gone and history has recorded that it was its members that vehemently rejected the bill.
“For the Tenth Assembly, I have this to say: sign the bill on reserved seats for women if you want to be remembered,” she said.
Other activities included a panel discussion on Building a Strong Case for the Reserved Seats Bill: Strategies for Advocacy and Lobbying for Passage. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
