NGO Seeks Support For Special Seat Bill For Women

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Stand To End Rape Initiative, in partnership with German Embassy, has urged Nigerians, policymakers and the National Assembly to support the Special Seat Bill for equal representation.

The Co-director of the NGO, Dr Mercy Kwabe, during a town hall meeting on ‘Amplifying Women’s Representation In Politics’ yesterday in Kaduna, highlighted the importance of the Special Seat Bill.
She explained the need for equal representation at the National Assembly, saying that people who aren’t affected by gender issues will not be able to make the right decisions.

She noted that women make up over 49% of Nigeria’s population but hold only 7% of the seats in the National Assembly, one of the lowest rates of female representation globally.

Kwabe said, “Women’s participation in politics and policies are more likely to address issues impacting all members of society, including healthcare, education, and gender-based violence”.

According to her, gender-balanced representation leads to stronger economies and more inclusive governance, as women leaders are more likely to prioritise family-friendly policies, equitable development and social justice.

She said that countries with more excellent gender representation see improved governance and reduced corruption, adding that women’s voices in leadership also contribute to peacebuilding efforts and safer communities.

Dr. Kwabe, however, called on policymakers to educate themselves on the bill, noting that if women are included in political processes, they will bring more societal development.

The Leader of the Women Mentoring and Leadership Initiative (WAMFOI), Hon. Florence Aya, said, “Since the beginning of our democracy 25 years ago, CSOs, NGOs, women groups, and international organisations have worked tirelessly to increase the number of women in Nigeria’s political space. The increase has been minimal, and the struggle has yielded insignificant results.

“The figures keep dwindling. With 25 years of democracy, Nigeria has not adopted any gender quota. The highest number of women in the National Assembly was 36 out of 469 in 2007. 15 states in Nigeria have no women in their State Assemblies.

“The national figures now show that we have 2.7% women in the Senate and 4.7% women in the House of Representatives, which is a real misrepresentation for women of Nigeria who form 50% of voters”.

However, she noted that some African countries had adopted measures to increase women’s representation in their parliaments, either through constitutional quotas, legislature quotas, or reserved seats, and she urged the federal government to do the same.