Women Representative Bill: A Crucial Step Towards Inclusive Governance in Nigeria, by Nafisat Bello
Gender inequality which has for long been a culture in our polity is becoming alarming, if not embarrassing, in recent years. Despite making up nearly half of the population, women hold only an infinitesimal fraction of seats in the National Assembly.
In terms of female representation, the 10th National Assembly is the worst since the dawn of democracy in 1999. It is indeed shameful to admit that there are only four women out of 109 members in the Senate which makes it about four percent. There are also only 17 women among the 360 members in the House of Representatives, which makes it a ridiculous
4.7 percent. The implication of the above is that in the 469-member National Assembly, only about 4 percent are women.
It is also saddening to note that out of the 36 State Houses of Assembly in the country, only 21 have at least one woman as member. 15 of the states have no woman at all as lawmaker.
The 15 Nigerian states without female representation in their Houses of Assembly are: Abia, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.
To address this imbalance, the National Assembly Women’s Representative Bill has been introduced, aiming to create reserved seats for women in both federal and state legislatures.
The proposed gender equality bill also seeks to address the stark underrepresentation of women in politics, where they currently occupy less than 5% of elective and appointive positions. The bill proposes several key measures:
– Amending the constitution to allow foreign spouses of Nigerian women to obtain citizenship.
– Mandating that at least 35% of party leadership roles and appointed positions at both the federal and state levels be filled by women.
Reserved Seats for Women
The bill specifically proposes:
– 74 additional seats in the National Assembly.
– 108 seats in State Houses of Assembly.
– A total of 182 reserved seats to ensure greater female representation.
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This initiative is designed as a temporary corrective measure to fast-track women’s political participation. The seats will be tenured for a specific period and subject to review by the National Assembly.
Why This Bill Matters
Nigeria ranks among the lowest globally in terms of female representation in parliament. Currently, women occupy only 3% of Senate seats and 3.9% of House of Representatives seats. This stark disparity limits the diversity of perspectives in governance, affecting policies on education, healthcare, and economic development.
Countries like Rwanda and Finland have successfully implemented similar measures, leading to economic growth, improved governance, and greater social equity. Studies show that when women are involved in decision-making, societies thrive, corruption decreases, and policies become more inclusive.
Advocacy and Support
The bill has garnered support from UN Women, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders. Advocacy campaigns, including radio and TV programs, town hall meetings, and media endorsements, have been launched to raise awareness and mobilize public support. Advocacy groups like the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund support the bill, highlighting systemic barriers such as cultural stereotypes, financial constraints, and political violence that hinder women’s participation.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite widespread support, the bill faces challenges, including cultural biases, political resistance, and systemic exclusion. Some critics argue that reserved seats may not be the best approach, advocating instead for electoral reforms and capacity-building programs. However, proponents insist that temporary measures are essential to break long-standing barriers.
The bill is expected to undergo public hearings and legislative scrutiny, with stakeholders pushing for its passage in the coming months.
Last Line
The National Assembly Women’s Representative Bill represents a historic opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape. By ensuring greater female representation, the bill could pave the way for more inclusive governance, stronger policies, and a more equitable society. As advocacy efforts continue, the hope is that Nigeria will join the ranks of nations that recognise the power of women in leadership.
