The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has endorsed the Constitution Alteration Bill aimed at reserving special seats for women in legislative bodies.

It also noted that the initiative would enhance female representation in legislative bodies and address the perennial gender imbalance in Nigerian politics.

National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, spoke in Abuja during the second Inter-Party Advisory Council Policy Roundtable, with the theme: ‘64 years of Independence, Inclusive Democracy and the Options of Special Seats for Women.’

He said: “We endorse the Constitution Alteration Bill for Special Seats for Women (HB 1349), and urge its swift passage into law.”

Dantelle emphasised that marginalisation occurs when any segment of society is under-represented in policy discussions.

Women, who make up 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population, are often sidelined in political spheres, which hampers the consolidation of democracy, he noted.

The IPAC boss recalled that, recently, his organisation established a Directorate of Women Affairs as part of its gender-friendly policies at its national secretariat in Abuja, to enhance women’s involvement in politics, particularly at the national and state legislatures.

He added: “Currently, the House of Representatives is working on a bill seeking to create 74 seats for women in the National Assembly in a bid to encourage more female participation in politics.

“The bill is anchored on the fundamental principle of equitable representation, and aims to empower women by ensuring their voices are not only heard, but that they actively contribute to shaping the legislative landscape, and the overall development of our nation.

“It is obvious that the issue of gender equality and representation lies at the heart of the nation’s democracy. The imbalance in this regard is glaring.”

In his address, the Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof Okey Ikechukwu, noted: “This bill is an attempt to create an institutionalised, but temporary, remedy for Nigeria’s unimpressive profile in global gender ranking along party lines.

“The bill rests on the firm belief that gender inclusivity is essential for fair political representation, with attendant gains on governance and national development.”

“The point being made here is that it is impossible to have a truly balanced and socially stable Nigerian polity without inclusive political participation, through more gender-sensitive and more equitable representation.”