Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has restated his commitment to empowering and including women in politics and governance, as the world marks the International Women’s Day on Friday.
The United Nations has designated the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” for the 2024 edition of the International Women’s Day.
Abbas, while congratulating women in Nigeria, Africa, and across the world, noted their immeasurable contributions to society, starting as mothers in the homes, who raise leaders.
The speaker described women as critical stakeholders in any community, adding that they are strong pillars in the sustenance of homes and the development of any country.
Abbas noted that his strong passion for women’s growth and development necessitated his insistence on revisiting the passage of gender-related bills in the ongoing amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
Similarly, deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu extolled the ingenuity of the Nigerian women as the world celebrates the International Women’s Day on Friday.
Kalu in a statement by his special assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, recognised the invaluable role women have played in advancing the progress of the country, noting that the theme of this year’s IWD “Inspire Inclusion” resonates with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives to improve women’s political representation.
Kalu said the House Committee on Constitution Review which he chairs will ensure that the ongoing exercise will address the issue of gender imbalance.
Acknowledging the strides made worldwide, Kalu however said the global statistic of only 25.5 percent of women holding seats in national parliaments is a sad reminder of the work left to do.
He said the celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the vital roles women play in the society, and a call for all stakeholders to cultivate a culture of inclusivity.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly will today hold an International Women’s Day Conference themed: “Inspire Inclusion: Women Representation, Peace, Security, and Empowerment Driving Reform through Advocacy.”
The senate president Godswill Akpabio, and speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas will co-host the event at the National Assembly Library.
