The Gender and Development Action in collaboration with UN Women and the Canadian government, have held a town hall on the provisions of the proposed ‘Special Seat Bill’, officially known as the ‘Seat Reservation for Women Bill’.
The meeting was held in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria and attracted the attendance of representatives of different civil societies, traditional institutions, political class, women groups, religious organisations, amongst others.
In a presentation titled “Advancing Women’s Political Presentation: An Overview of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) and the Path to Inclusive Governance in Nigeria”, the Programme Manager of GADA, Nnenna Ugbor noted that for decades, few women have participated in politics across the country.
According to Ugbor, “For too long, women’s political representation has remained alarmingly low despite their significant contributions to nation building. This bill presents a unique opportunity to bridge this gap, institutionalize inclusivity and fulfill Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality in leadership.”
She emphasized the need for proactive measures to be taken to amplify women’s voices particularly at decision-making and law making levels, noting “In previous assemblies, women accounted only for 6.4 percent in the 7th, 6.1 percent in the 8th and 2.7 percent in the 9th senate as well as 6.4 percent, 3.05percent and 4.7 percent in the House of Representatives.
“So, the bill, officially titled “Seat Reservation for Women Bill” sponsored by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 12 others, will allocate special seats for women in the senate, house of representatives and state assemblies. When passed into law, it would be reviewed every 16 years to meet with the needs,” Ugbor stated.
A member of GADA Board of Trustees, Mr. Richard Inoyo said, “we are asking that the quota system used previously to enable women like Margaret Ekpo, Fumnilayo Ransome-Kuti and others participate in politics be used to bring women on track as regards representation when it comes to decision making and law making.”
Similarly, the citizens’ engagement expert for GADA, Dr. Macfarlane Eja said about the town hall meeting, “The political environment is skewed to the disadvantage of women. But, the bill is a better way for us to create broader space for women to get involved in the political arena.”
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In her goodwill message, the traditional ruler of Akai Efa village, Eti-eka Henrietta Efa-Apera stressed the need to encourage women, particularly young ones, to aspire to political offices, saying “This bill when it becomes law will address the marginalization of women.”
Other stakeholders such as the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Mr. Edet Effiong; the State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Dr. Ekpenyong Ambo, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Professor Getrude Njar and Pastor Victoria Emah-Emah pledged support for the special Seat Bill.
They alongside the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender, Mrs Utibe Bassey-Duke, the Executive Director, Akpabuyo Women in Politics and Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Duke and the former member of the State House of Assembly, Rita Ayim, urged the national assembly and the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to pass and assent to the bill.
The stakeholders agreed that by passing and assenting to the bill, Nigeria would be among the frontline nations upholding equality and inclusivity for good governance.
Earlier, the Programme Coordinator of GADA, Mr. Edmond Oka said that the essence of the town hall was to enlighten the public about the bill and its provisions, adding “We want women to know that it is their right to be part of the leadership position and take part in politics.
“We believe women are powerful, strong and contribute greatly to Nigeria’s GPD. We need women to bring the qualities they have to the table as models of society,” he added.
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