National Assembly Vows To Dismantle Barriers To Women’s Participation In Governance

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Assembly has pledged its commitment to eliminating systemic barriers preventing women’s full participation in governance, Speaker Tajudeen Abass announced at the National Citizens’ Summit on Constitutional Reform and Campaign on Ending Violence against Women and Girls.

Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Abass emphasized that upcoming constitutional reforms will prioritize women’s empowerment, safety, and increased representation in both elective and appointive positions.

He stressed the need for collaboration with women’s groups, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to amplify women’s voices and protect their rights.

The summit, described by Abass as a significant milestone, launched a national campaign aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 to achieve gender equality.

He highlighted the alarming statistic from the World Health Organisation that one in three women globally experiences violence, declaring it “unacceptable” and vowing to break the cycle through renewed strategies and broader coalitions.

Abass cited the adaptability of constitutions globally, using the US Constitution’s 27 amendments as an example of how such documents can evolve to address critical social issues.

He pointed to Nigeria’s own “Not Too Young to Run” law as a successful example of constitutional reform fostering greater political inclusion.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Abass invited stakeholders to submit recommendations to address the specific needs of women and girls, ensuring the budget reflects inclusivity and transparency.

He reiterated the 10th House of Representatives’ commitment to constitutional adaptation, upholding the rule of law, and protecting the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of gender.

Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, underscored the urgent need for action, noting that women currently hold only 57 out of 991 seats in Nigeria’s State Houses of Assembly.

He expressed support for temporary special measures, including gender quotas, to improve representation.

He also stressed the link between gender-based violence and women’s participation in politics.

Dr Nesreen El Molla, UN Women’s Deputy Representative to Nigeria, commended the Speaker’s leadership and thanked the Canadian and UK governments for their funding support.

She urged participants to develop actionable proposals to enhance women’s participation in governance and reiterated the UN’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s inclusion and combating violence against women and girls.

The summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including state legislators, religious and traditional leaders, women’s groups, civil society organizations, and media representatives, to address crucial issues of constitutional reform and ending gender-based violence in Nigeria.

The unveiling of the national campaign marked a significant step towards achieving greater gender equality and empowering women in Nigeria.