The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has called on all Nigerians to support the proposed reservation of seats for women in parliamentary houses, as it is beyond just making the membership but to give women a voice in policy decision making.
Speaking at a media briefing and stakeholders’ engagement on the bill in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman of the Comittee, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara lamented the poor representation of women in governance, especially in parliamentary representation, and how it was affecting Nigeria’s full participation in international engagements.
“The Reserve Seat for Women Bill is not just about numbers; it is about giving women a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities. By increasing women’s representation, we can ensure that their perspectives, needs, and rights are adequately addressed in policy formulation and implementation,” she said, adding g that in spite of the huge population of women, representation has been consistently low.
“This bill aligns with international commitments to gender equality, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which calls for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls,” Ogbara said, adding that studies have shown how women includsion in decision-making processes accelerates economic growth to the benefits of countries.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe in her goodwill message expressed support for the bill, encouraging the women folks to be resilient in the pusuit of making the move a reality, saying that when women set their mind on something, they get it.
Also in her remarks, Nigeria’s Country Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms Elsie Attafuah cited the recent victory of Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the attendant celebration as one reason why women should be encouraged in governance and other societal matters.
“As Nigeria’s Super Falcons celebrate a resounding continental victory, we are powerfully reminded that the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of women transcend every arena…,” she said, adding that “the Reserved Seats Bill is a transformative response to that call. It affirms the principle that women belong at the table, not as guests, but as decision-makers…”