The House of Representatives is currently considering a bill to improve women’s representation in the parliament to enhance gender equality and women’s inclusiveness in the governance of the nation.
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this in Owerri on Friday night, while delivering his goodwill message at the second Women of Divine Destiny Initiative’s (WODDI) Inspiring Women Summit (WIWS 2024), with the theme, ‘Illuminating the Power of an Inspired Woman.’
Noting that the piece of legislation recently introduced in the parliament, titled, ‘Seat Reservation Bill,’ sponsored by him, alongside some of his colleagues, the Deputy Speaker said: “The bill is essentially seeking the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ultimately provide special seats for women in the legislature.”
Kalu stressed that the bill when passed into law, will help the cause of women within the political firmament, as well as encourage them to make a meaningful impact in the overall development of the country.
He added: “We must acknowledge, however, that in a society striving for equitable development, addressing fundamental issues like gender equality and inclusiveness is imperative. In Nigeria, where women and girls constitute 49.32 per cent of our population, the representation in institutions and governance needs urgent attention.
“We stand at a crucial moment where seeking inspiration from remarkable women, who have shattered the glass ceilings, is vital. Here in Nigeria, we have actively pushed for more inclusive legislation that empowers women.
“Our social development project, Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), exemplifies this commitment. By also targeting young women as beneficiaries, PISE-P employs non-violent methods to foster peace and development across the South East.”
“This combined approach, honouring the past, while actively shaping the future for Nigerian women, is the key to achieving lasting progress.”
The lawmaker commended the WODDI Founder and former Imo State First Lady, Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, for organising the summit for the women, urging participants to unleash their full potential accordingly having been rightly motivated.
