House of Representatives urges state assemblies to support Special Seats for Women Bill
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on the 36 State Houses of Assembly to endorse and pass the Special Seats for Women Bill, a key component of the ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at enhancing political inclusion. This resolution followed a motion by Lagos State lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi, emphasizing the need for legislative action to address gender imbalance in Nigeria's political system. Onuakalusi highlighted that women constitute nearly half of Nigeria's population and contribute significantly to various sectors, yet their representation in decision-making roles, particularly in elective offices, remains below 5%, which is among the lowest globally. He argued that this underrepresentation creates a democratic deficit, hindering diverse and balanced policy formulation. The proposed bill seeks to introduce constitutionally backed affirmative action by creating additional seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly as a temporary corrective measure. The lawmaker cited examples from other African nations like Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, where similar affirmative action has improved women's political participation. The House warned that failure to pass this legislation would perpetuate exclusion and weaken Nigeria's adherence to international and regional frameworks. The motion received strong support from lawmakers, and the House mandated its Committees on Constitutional Review, Women Affairs, and Electoral Matters to
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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