UN Women, Nigerian Legislators launches campaign to promote women’s inclusion

UN Women in partnership with Nigerian Legislators have launched a national campaign for women’s inclusion and representation in elective and appointed positions through constitutional and electoral reforms.

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The launch took place in Abuja, during the Citizens’ Forum on Gender-Responsive Constitutional Reform.

Speaking, UN Women Deputy Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Nesreen El Molla, reiterated UN Women’s commitment to advancing women’s inclusion and addressing violence against women and girls in Nigeria.

El Molla, also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives for providing leadership and enabling environment during the planning of the Summit.

The Deputy Country Representative, while thanking the Canadian and United Kingdom governments for the funding support, noted that violence against women and girls does not have a place in modern society.

She further urged participants to come up with actionable proposal to improve women’s participation in governance in the country.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, assured of National Assembly continued efforts in working to ensure that all systemic barriers to women’s participation in governance in the country are removed.

The Speaker, who was represented by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the Summit as a significant milestone, noting that the constitutional reform would be tailored towards empowering women, ensuring their safety, and promoting their full participation in governance.

He emphasised the importance of constitutional reforms in advancing gender equality and addressing violence against women and girls.

“I pledged under his leadership, the House of Representatives would advance constitutional reforms that would address national needs and prioritise women and girls’ empowerment, safety and full participation: we must break the cycle of history. This time, we are better prepared with renewed strategies, broader coalitions, and stronger public support to end violence against women and girls. The 10th House of Representatives is resolute in its mission to adapt our constitution, uphold the rule of law, and protect the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, irrespective of gender,” he said.

He stressed that there was need for collaboration with women’s groups, faith leaders, and traditional institutions to amplify women’s voices and protect their rights.

Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said the government remains committed to championing gender inclusion and the fight against gender based violence.

He said: “This under-representation underscores the need for urgent action. The Conference of Speakers is ready to support temporary special measures, including gender quotas, to increase women’s participation in governance.

We recognise that gender-based violence is a significant obstacle to women’s participation and empowerment. Let’s work together to address the systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in politics and end gender based violence in Nigeria.”

The Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, underscored the necessity of a solid legal framework and strategic collaboration to both protect and empower women.

The Chair of the Women’s Political Participation Working Group, Mrs. Ebere Ifendu, called for constitutional reforms to enshrine gender equality, emphasizing the values of diversity, fairness, and equity to foster an inclusive and just society.

The campaign has also garnered international support, with diplomats from the Canadian High Commission, the British High Commission, and the US Embassy pledging their commitment.

The Summit brought together law makers, from the both National and State Houses of Assembly, religious leaders, traditional institutions, women’s groups, civil society organisations, the media, persons with disabilities, among others, to engage on constitutional reform and campaign to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria.