Abbas Reaffirms Commitment To Empowering Women In Politics

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the 10th National Assembly to enact robust legislative measures aimed at protecting and empowering women in politics.

Addressing delegates at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025, held in Abuja on Thursday, the Speaker emphasized the critical importance of gender-inclusive governance.

The conference, themed “Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future,” brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates from various sectors to discuss strategies for advancing women’s roles in the political and economic spheres.

The conference was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development chaired by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos).

He stated that despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, Nigerian women continue to face discrimination, underrepresentation, and socio-economic challenges that hinder their full participation in leadership roles.

“We will enact robust legislation to safeguard women in politics from violence and intimidation, aligning our political framework with the Constitution’s principles of fairness and freedom,” he stated.

The Speaker stated that the House of Representatives has launched a new Legislative Agenda focused on advancing women’s political participation and economic empowerment.

As part of this initiative, two specialized committees dedicated to women’s issues have been established.

Additionally, he emphasized that all female lawmakers are included in the Constitution Amendment Committee to ensure the integration of gender-sensitive perspectives in policymaking.

The Speaker further called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure greater inclusion of women within its National Executive Committee (NEC). This call has resulted in the appointment of four women to key positions within the NEC.

Additionally, the Speaker emphasized the importance of establishing special seats for women in legislative bodies, as well as introducing mandatory gender quotas within political parties. These reforms, he believes, are essential for enhancing women’s representation in governance.

“I urge all State Houses of Assembly to support these proposed reforms during the Constitution Amendment process to ensure more significant political participation for women,” he stated.

The Speaker emphasized that beyond political concerns, investing in women’s economic empowerment is key to Nigeria’s development.

He highlighted successful global examples, such as Rwanda’s gender quotas and Bangladesh’s microfinance initiatives, which Nigeria can adapt to improve the lives of women.

Speaker Abbas also reaffirmed the House’s commitment to enforcing the National Gender Policy, advancing electoral reforms to increase female representation, and amending the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to strengthen women’s rights.

He commended Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, and Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, for their contributions to advancing gender equality.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in her remarks at the conference, said Nigerian women are breaking barriers and making impacts in various sectors of the society.

The First Lady who was represented by wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas, however, emphasised the need for women inclusion and empowerment, adding that there was a need to address structural challenges that keep women in poverty.

Earlier in her opening remarks, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, described the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025 as more than just an event—it is a movement dedicated to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women.

She emphasized that the conference provides a vital platform to celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of Nigerian women, while cultivating an environment where they can thrive, lead, and inspire others.

A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions, a comprehensive document that showcases the remarkable achievements of women who have shattered barriers and made significant contributions across various sectors.

“This compendium serves as a powerful reminder that when women rise, we all rise, and ultimately, the nation thrives,” said Ogbara.

She emphasized that while this is the inaugural edition of the compendium, it is a crucial resource designed to inspire young girls and women who aspire to take on leadership roles.

The lawmaker also revealed that exceptional Nigerians, recognized for their steadfast commitment to empowering women and advocating for gender equality, will be honored at the upcoming conference.

She commended their efforts as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that change is achievable when everyone collaborates.

Among those recognized were the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Ogbara emphasized that, beyond mere discussions, the committee is taking concrete steps to assist women in need, particularly widows and low-income earners, through cash empowerment programs.

The lawmaker expressed her gratitude to the leadership of the House of Representatives, especially Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, for their continued support in advancing gender equality.

Ogbara commended Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for his sponsorship of a bill aimed at reserving special seats for women in parliament, which would ensure greater representation of women in legislative bodies.

She also extended her praise to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, highlighting her leadership in promoting women’s welfare through the Renewed Hope Initiative. Ogbara described the initiative as a transformative force that has had a profound and positive impact on numerous Nigerian women.

The conference served as a platform for policymakers, civil society groups, and development partners to engage in meaningful discussions on strategies to enhance women’s leadership and participation in the national development process.