Stakeholders, policymakers, and gender advocates have united in their opposition to the stifling of political opportunities and representation for women in Nigeria’s political landscape. They emphasize the need for greater inclusivity, citing the significant percentage of the population comprised by women.

This collective advocacy effort took place on Monday in Abuja, where the Technical Session on the Seat Reservation for Women Bill was held, and the National Women Leaders Forum’s Operational Guidelines were unveiled.

The event was organised by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in collaboration with the National Women Leaders Forum (NWLF) of Political Parties in Nigeria.

Those present at the event included the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Senator Ireti kingibe, President of the National women leaders forum Dr Amina Darasimi Brym, former ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Ene Obi, Me Donnah Kamashazi, a Rwandan Gender Expert, among other critical stakeholders.

Adaora Onyechere Sydney Jack, a renowned gender advocate and broadcast journalist, emphasized the crucial role of women in Nigeria’s development during the programme. She stressed that until women’s voices are integrated into policy development, Nigeria’s progress will remain incomplete, lagging behind other African nations like Namibia, which she said has successfully sworn in its first female president.

The challenge of women inclusivity in Nigeria is starkly evident, with a staggering 15 out of 36 states in the federation lacking female representation in their state assemblies.This glaring disparity underscores the need for concerted efforts to promote gender equality and empower women to take on leadership roles in Nigerian politics.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Amina Darasimi Brym, President of the National Women Leaders Forum, emphasized the importance of representation and women’s voices in parliamentary participation at all levels – state, house of representatives, and senate. She stressed that achieving full inclusivity requires collective effort from all citizens, particularly in supporting the upcoming special seats bill.

Ene Obi, former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, condemned the alleged harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti, calling it unacceptable. Obi warned that women will soon march to the National Assembly to demand answers from the Senate President regarding the senator’s mistreatment.

Me Donnah Kamashazi, a Rwandan Gender Expert Consultant, shared Rwanda’s experiences in achieving parity for women in parliament. According to Kamashazi, this milestone was made possible through the efforts of political parties and the enactment of supportive laws in the constitution. She also highlighted the importance of women forming alliances with men to create back channels for lobbying.

Distinguished Senator Ireti Kingigbe spoke about the urgent need to increase women’s representation in parliament, stressing that the current lack of numbers often silences women’s voices. This disparity is particularly striking given that women make up 49% of Nigeria’s population, yet the country ranks 180th out of 192 countries in terms of women’s parliamentary representation, according to Olumide Olaniyan, a social inclusion and governance expert.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu had earlier made a strong case for the passage of the Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349), emphasizing it is but about justice, strategy, and national prosperity.

He stressed that the underrepresentation is not just a statistical anomaly, but also a barrier to national progress.

Incidently sponsored by Kalu, the proposed bill seeks to reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that mirrors the diversity of the nation.

Kalu however explained that the measure is temporary, expected to run for 4 terms, and is modeled after successful initiatives in countries like Rwanda and Senegal, where women’s representation has increased to over 40%.