•Kafilat Ogbara
The 10th National Assembly is working toward legislation that would increase the representation of women in elective roles, it has emerged.
The initiative is supported by a Bill of Rights within the current Constitutional Amendment review at the National Assembly, advocating for the creation of additional seats designated specifically for women, reports The Nation.
The proposed bill would add one Senate seat and one House of Representatives seat for women in each state, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara said.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) yesterday in Abuja, the lawmaker said, if successful, it aims to address long-standing gender imbalances in governance, which have limited women’s participation at all levels.
The drive to pass the bill aligns with a broader call from key government and legislative leaders for stronger political will, Ogbara said, noting that, “With support from the Assembly’s leadership and President, there is no better time to pursue reforms ensuring women’s roles are amplified in decision-making spaces”.
She however stressed that the momentum is crucial, as there’s a possibility that existing statutory seats could be at risk if the bill’s structure isn’t carefully designed.
According to the lawmaker, the proposal that would mandate that no single-gender lists be submitted in elections is crucial as in some states, where women have historically had minimal representation, “This reform would ensure at least one woman is represented in political roles at the State and Local levels,” Ogbara added.
She encouraged the women interested in leadership to engage actively in politics, network within their parties, and showcase their dedication.
In her remarks, NILOWV President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh urged women across the nation to actively pursue leadership roles and advocate for gender-inclusive legislation.
She highlighted the critical role of supportive laws, political reform, and personal commitment in dismantling barriers and paving the way for future generations of women leaders.
Highlighting the urgency for women to support the proposed bill for 74 special seats in the National Assembly, Awunah-Ikyegh emphasized Nigeria’s low ranking in female representation compared to other African nations.
Noting the current imbalance, underscoring the critical need for greater women’s participation in governance, she said, “This bill is not just for women; it’s for Nigeria.
“We are here to strategize on galvanizing grassroots support for a balanced government,” she said.
She encouraged women to unite and leverage the “voter currency” to demand support from lawmakers, stressing that the bill’s success could usher in more nurturing and balanced leadership perspectives, “The time is now, for women to act,” she added.
A major barrier to women’s success in elections, she noted, is the lack of internal democracy within political parties.
Party structures often select women who lack the capacity for independent leadership, sidelining “stubborn” women with the potential to effect change.
“Can we advise political parties to give the ‘stubborn’ women a chance to lead? These are the ones who can truly make a difference,” Awunah-Ikyegh stated.
Dispelling the notion that women don’t support each other, she pointed out that politics is driven by loyalty and strategic interests.
“Not every man supports other men in elections; women are the same. It’s about interest,” she explained, noting that genuine capacity should determine support.
In his keynote address, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, called for strengthened electoral integrity and women’s inclusion in politics.
Mamedu highlighted the importance of robust voter education, election security, and political reforms to close Nigeria’s significant gender gap in governance.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he acknowledged progress in voter registration, noting that women constituted nearly half of the registered voters.
However, he, emphasised that only 9% of candidates were female, underscoring ongoing challenges.
Mamedu outlined several recommendations, including strict enforcement of the Electoral Act, enhanced voter safety, especially for women, and expanded voter education programs.
He stressed that citizen-led election observation and increased support for women candidates are critical for creating a truly inclusive democracy.
“Electoral integrity and women’s inclusion are inseparable, our democracy must empower all citizens, especially women, to lead and participate without fear,” he added.
