By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has stated that affirmative action for women is a corrective measure that must be taken to ensure fairness and gender balance in the polity.
The Speaker said, it has become necessary to mainstream women’s and gender issues in the constitution, statutes, policies, and budgetary processes of Nigeria.
Abbas made the declaration in his keynote address at a session with Speakers’ of State Houses of Assembly to commemorate the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, GBV, held at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.
The campaign that began on November 25, with the House taking a prominent role.
He recalled how he led an advocacy walk from the National Assembly to the Force Headquarters to submit a petition to the Inspector General of Police.
“This action signified our resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society”, he said.
The Speaker noted that the 16 days had served as a rallying point, uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and empower women and girls across Nigeria.
He also noted that the National Assembly has long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the advocacy for greater women’s representation.
Abbas said since 1999, the parliament had championed transformative legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act; the Child’s Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.
The Speaker further noted that the 10th House had amplified these efforts through its legislative agenda, which prioritises constitutional reforms to promote women’s political participation and representation.
Speaker Abbas said the agenda reflects the parliament’s recognition of the indispensable role women play in governance and the broader societal fabric.
“Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. This imbalance must change not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking”, he said.
While emphasising that the importance of eradicating GBV and promoting women’s representation could not be overstated, he stated that a society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secured society.
The speaker noted that the Houses of Assembly were pivotal to achieving meaningful constitutional reforms, adding that the active participation and support of state speakers are crucial in ensuring that gender-focused amendments and legislation are adopted at the sub-national level.
