Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the Reserved Seats Bill is a commitment to enhance women’s political representation and address gender disparity in governance.
Kalu said this at a Special Dialogue on Reserved Seats Bill Under The People’s Platform, said that the bill was not an act of tokenism Thursday in Abuja
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% are women, so that they could also be able to bring 35% 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 Woman Leader, All Progressives Congress ,APC.
