To promote a more inclusive political environment, various stakeholders in Nigeria are urging the media and organisations focused on gender issues to enhance initiatives that promote women’s involvement in politics. This request emerged during a roundtable event held in Calabar, Cross River State, which was organised by the Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER) in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs. During her speech at the event, Mrs. Edema Irom, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, highlighted the crucial need for targeted legislative actions to enhance women’s opportunities in leadership roles.
She pointed out that intentional policies are vital for overcoming the obstacles that hinder women in the predominantly male political landscape. Irom elaborated that the purpose of their gathering is to address the current circumstances and inspire more women to enter the political arena to reshape the existing framework. Hence, the town hall meeting is named Amplifying Women’s Representation in Politics – with particular focus on the “Special Seats Bill.” She called upon the press and various interested parties to engage in initiatives that promote involvement and fair representation in shaping the nation’s future.
Improvement will be made across local, state, and national levels.
The Special Seats Bill is a legislative initiative aimed at reserving certain positions for women in political leadership. Elfrida Adeleye, the Communications Officer of the STER Initiative, emphasised the importance of the bill, pointing out its ability to tackle the enduring exclusion of women within Nigerian politics. Adeleye emphasised the importance of this legislation, which has encountered opposition at the National Assembly on two occasions, for improving women’s involvement in politics at the local, state, and national levels. Strategic collaborations are essential to promote this initiative, she stated.
Adeleye clarified that the Legislation serves as a provisional arrangement lasting 16 years, allowing them to establish their presence in political leadership. The goal is not just to boost women’s representation in politics but also to guarantee they are influential in crafting policies that propel national progress. Attendees of the roundtable highlighted the essential influence that media holds in molding societal viewpoints and advocating for gender-equitable policies. By spotlighting women’s issues and elevating their narratives, the media has the potential to sway public conversation and impact policy-making.
Obstacles faced by women in the nation will be addressed.
This initiative emphasises the crucial role of media in shaping public sentiment and securing essential support for the Special Seats Bill. According to Mr. Hussein Mohammed, Programme Officer at STER Initiative, this legislation can potentially transform the political space by lowering obstacles they face. Mohammed stated that this legislation aims to inspire young women to pursue roles in political leadership, lower governance expenses, and foster justice, fairness, and genuine democracy. The steep expense associated with political campaigns is a significant issue in the conversations, which frequently deters women from running for public office.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to alleviate the financial strain and establish equitable opportunities for women to engage in electoral processes. Adeleye highlighted the importance of working together with crucial partners such as political organisations and community groups in order to facilitate the bill’s approval. Gender matters frequently aren’t prioritised within the National Assembly due to the low representation of women. The introduction of the Special Seats Bill aims to empower women and enhance their influence in the decision-making process.
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Attendees conveyed their hope that, with continuous lobbying and media backing, Nigeria can reach improved Gender Equality in political representation. The bill transcends mere statistics; it embodies a deeper pledge to nurturing a more inclusive democratic landscape honouring and appreciating women’s roles in national progress. By leveraging strategic collaborations, enacting policy changes, and engaging communities at the grassroots level, advocates are working to transform this aspiration into tangible outcomes, guaranteeing that women can take on leadership roles and influence Nigeria’s trajectory.