The Deputy Ambassador of the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Zissimos Vergos, has urged stakeholders to adopt special measures to foster a more inclusive governance process in Nigeria.
Mr Vergos said that Nigeria now has a unique opportunity to join progressive nations in promoting gender equality through constitutional reforms.
Mr Vergos, was speaking at the International Legislative Dialogue On Women and Constitutional Amendment in Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The dialogue is organised by the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).
The dialogue created an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss critical challenges and the way forward for gender parity in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The EU noted that prioritising women’s political participation and representation is crucial for Nigeria’s growth, especially to fast-track the nation’s progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The active participation of women at all levels of decision-making and politics is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy. Women’s equal participation in power and decision-making roles is part of their fundamental right to participate in political life, and sits at the core of gender equality and women’s empowerment.”. Mr. Vergos said.
Mr. Zissimos Vergos, underscored the importance of women’s representation in governance as both a fundamental right and a driver of inclusive growth.
He acknowledged that, despite global progress, women remain underrepresented in government, often facing significant barriers to accessing and exercising political power.
He noted that the ongoing constitutional reform process in Nigeria presents a timely opportunity to implement an inclusive legal framework that promotes equal political participation, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or disability status.
“Women’s participation in politics helps advance gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that are considered and the types of solutions proposed. Whether a legislator is male or female has a distinct impact on their policy priorities,” he said.
He stressed that emphasising women’s political leadership is not only a matter of equity but also a foundation for sustainable development.
“Women’s political leadership may not be the only answer to sustainable development, but it underscores the invaluable contributions women offer when given equal opportunities to men. We must strive for a society where every woman not only feels safe to survive but is empowered to thrive” He added.
The dialogue, which is an international event premised on the view of gathering experiences from other countries, also had in attendance representatives from South Africa, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
It brought together legislators, policymakers, political leaders, traditional and faith leaders, women’s groups, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders. The dialogue is aimed at addressing the barriers that hinder women’s political advancement and strategise for sustainable change.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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