The House of Representatives is considering a bill to reserve seats for women in the parliament, according to Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The “Seat Reservation Bill” aims to alter the Constitution to provide special seats for women in the legislature.
Kalu disclosed this at the Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) Inspiring Women Summit in Owerri, Imo State. He emphasized the importance of gender equality and inclusiveness, noting that women constitute 49.32% of Nigeria’s population but are underrepresented in institutions and governance.
The bill, sponsored by Kalu and his colleagues, seeks to address this imbalance. Kalu praised WODDI’s efforts in empowering women and urged the participants to unleash their full potentials.
He also highlighted the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), which prioritizes gender issues and promotes peace and development in southeast Nigeria.
The passage of the bill is expected to improve women’s representation in legislative institutions, promoting gender equality and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s political landscape.