Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, during the International Legislative Dialogue on Women and the Constitution Amendment Process in Abuja emphasized women’s empowerment as a vital point for economic development
Noting the National Assembly’s stark gender imbalance – only 20 women hold seats out of 469 – Abbas stated, “Our goal is to ensure that Nigerian women, an essential part of our nation’s social and economic fabric, secure their rightful place within our governance framework.”
He further stressed that, “Empowering women is not just a moral obligation; it’s a strategic economic necessity.”
Research supports Abbas’ stance, showing increased female representation boosts decision-making quality and economic growth. Deputy Speaker Kalu echoed this sentiment, advocating for barrier removal to enhance women’s political advancement. He proposed legislation reserving legislative seats for women, addressing gender disparity and promoting diverse representation.
The European Union-backed dialogue featured insights from South Africa, Tanzania and Rwanda, highlighting successful gender inclusion initiatives. This event underscored the urgent need for reforms ensuring women’s voices shape Nigeria’s political landscape, aligning with sustainable development and equality goals.
