The recent commitment by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to reduce inequalities and enhance gender participation in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development is a significant step towards addressing the country’s low representation of women in governance. The partnership with UN Women and the media aims to increase awareness and create platforms that encourage more women to take part in politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key efforts include the re-introduction of the ‘Gender Equal Opportunities’ Bill, the passage of a bill for special seats for women in the National Assembly, and collaboration with international bodies like UN-CEDAW. Despite women making up less than 5% of the current parliamentary representation, the Speaker highlighted the critical role of the media in holding policymakers accountable and ensuring progress in gender inclusion.
Moreover, discussions about the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 emphasize the need for amendments rather than a full repeal, reflecting societal changes and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
This broad push reflects the growing awareness and urgency to create a more inclusive political landscape in Nigeria.
