Dr Amina Kundiri, Director-General of the National All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG), has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats Bill before it.
This is contained in a statement issued by NAWA-ORG’s National Publicity Secretary, Evelyn Onyilo, on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill proposes the creation of additional seats exclusively for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Specifically, it calls for 37 new Senate seats—one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory—and 37 additional House of Representatives seats
According to the statement, Kundiri made the appeal at a roundtable dialogue in Abuja.
She said the passage of the bill would inevitably increase the number of women in parliament and enhance equity, fairness, and justice.
Kundiri noted that the organisation would continue to champion the cause of women empowerment, both locally and globally, to overcome barriers and ensure inclusiveness.
“If passed and signed into law, the bill will increase the number of women in Parliament, thereby bridging the gender gaps and disparities in governance.
“It will also enhance women’s participation in governance and make their voices heard,” she said.
Kundiri commended President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi, for their support of the gender agenda for the country.
Similarly, the President of the Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, Attahiru Ibrahim, reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the inclusion of women and youth in all spheres of development.
Attahiru said women had been marginalised in the country’s scheme of things.
Also, the Secretary-General of the Youth Group, Dr Hadiza Jamilu, cautioned youths against being used as political thugs and urged them to desist from engaging in drug abuse.
Onyilo said women must rise up to change the narrative of marginalisation and participate actively in politics.
She called on the government to appoint more women and youth to positions of governance. (NAN)