May 29: Forum seeks more women representation in governance

As Nigeria celebrates another May 29 Democracy Day of 26 years of return to democracy, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has called for a concerted efforts to boost the low representation of women in politics and governance across the country. National President of the Women in Politics Forum, Barrister Ebere Ifendu, made the plea […]

As Nigeria celebrates another May 29 Democracy Day of 26 years of return to democracy, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has called for a concerted efforts to boost the low representation of women in politics and governance across the country.

National President of the Women in Politics Forum, Barrister Ebere Ifendu, made the plea in Abuja at a press briefing where she said that the low representation of women remains an impediment to national development.

She also called for passage of the special seats bill to address existing gender disparity in governance and leadership positions, saying the full participation of women is an indispensable pillar of a thriving democracy.

Ifendu said that the Special Seat Bill, is not merely an adjustment within the nation’s legislative framework; as it embodies a historic opportunity to bridge the significant gender gap in the governance system and amplify the voices of women in critical decision-making roles.

“We stand at a milestone in our shared commitment to achieving gender equality and revitalizing our democracy – a journey propelled by an unwavering belief that the full participation of women in governance is an essential pillar of a thriving democracy.

“The statistics we face are not just numbers; they are a sobering reflection of the entrenched inequities that persist within our political landscape. Currently, women occupy only 19 of the total 469 seats in the National Assembly – 4 in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives- resulting in a mere 4.05% of legislative representation in Nigeria.

“This stark reality places our nation significantly below the global average of 26.5%, illustrating a critical disparity that demands urgent redress. Moreover, Nigeria ranks a disheartening 178 out of 182 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) global standings for women in national parliaments.

“This ranking clearly highlights the systemic barriers that have long stifled the voices of women in governance. This alarming reality serves as a clarion call for immediate and collective action, urging us to unite in the pursuit of meaningful change,” Ifendu said.

Also speaking Ms Ene Obi, a former Convener of the Situation Room and Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) said that the full participation of women in governance is an essential pillar of a thriving democracy, expressing worry on the abysmal low number of women representation in governance

“The statistics we face are not just numbers, they are a sovereign reflection of the entrenched inequities that exist within our political landscape. Currently, women occupy only 19 of the total 4696 seats in the National Assembly, four in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives. This is poor,” Obi said.

The National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche, said that the ongoing grassroots campaign by NAWOJ stepping down the advocacy was part of effort at boosting women’s participation in politics and governance.

Ifendu also speaking afterwards said that the Special Seat Bill, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, emerges as a bold and necessary response to rectify this historical inequity by reserving dedicated seats explicitly for women within our legislative chambers.

“This visionary legislation is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, alongside a dedicated coalition of lawmakers who are resolute in their mission to advance gender equality in Nigeria.

“The Special Seat Bill seeks to create an additional 74 federal legislative seats and 108 state assembly seats specifically for women. This is not merely a numerical increase; it is a transformative step toward achieving equitable representation that aligns with the principles of democracy,” she said.