The House of Representatives is currently considering a bill to allocate reserved seats for women in the National Assembly.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu announced this on Friday night in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, while delivering a goodwill message at the 2nd Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) Inspiring Women Summit (WIWS 2024).
“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% of our population, the representation in institutions and governance needs urgent attention,” he said at the event with the theme: Illuminating the Power of an Inspired Woman.
“Presently, the House of Representatives is considering a bill to improve the representation of women in our legislative institutions sponsored by myself and other colleagues of mine.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Levinus Nwabughiogu, the deputy speaker said the bill is titled “Seat Reservation Bill”. He sponsored the piece of legislation alongside some of his colleagues.
The bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide special seats for women in the legislature.
He also said that a social development initiative tagged Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) has prioritised gender issues in its programmes.
“By also targeting young women as beneficiaries, PISE-P employs non-violent methods to foster peace and development across South-East, Nigeria,” he said.
“This combined approach, honoring the past while actively shaping the
future for Nigerian women is the key to achieving lasting progress.”
WODDI is a non-profit organization founded by Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, the wife of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha. It empowers women and helps them to achieve their dreams.