By Comfort Olayinka
The member representing Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwode federal constituency, Hon Billy Osawaru, has called on stakeholders to support the bill promoting women’s participation in politics.
Speaking at the International Legislative Dialogue on Women and Constitution Amendment Process in Nigeria, Billy emphasized the importance of collective action from parliamentarians, women’s groups, advocacy groups and media to prioritize women’s representation.
Billy moved a motion for 35% affirmative action for women a few months ago, believing encouraged women will excel in representation. However, he noted the need for holistic solutions addressing factors hindering fair representation. The bill aims to increase women’s participation in governance, with optimism for presidential assent if stakeholders unite.
He said “As a member of parliament, I moved the motion some few months ago on 35% affirmative action for women. I strongly believe if our women are encouraged in representation, they will do very well. But it has to be a holistic solution. We have to look at so many factors why women have not been fairly represented in government in Nigeria, and we’ll proffered those solutions. And I think one of those solutions is what we are bringing together by actually pushing a bill to see how we can bring more women into governance.”
Deputy Speaker Hon Benjamin Kalu highlighted Nigeria’s potential 9% GDP increase by 2025 through improved women’s participation. Countries like Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal demonstrate transformative benefits of gender parity in leadership.
The House Committee on Constitution Review proposes bills correcting gender imbalance, including “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution” (HB 1349), creating additional seats for female candidates.
The proposed legislation addresses low women representation by reserving seats in national and state legislatures. Hon Kalu stressed countries with higher women representation show progress in health, education and economic stability. Nigeria stands to gain from diverse legislative representation.
Hon Billy’s call to action emphasizes urgency, encouraging stakeholders to make noise and push for the bill’s passage. With responsive presidency, collective efforts may secure assent, paving the way for increased women participation in Nigerian politics.
“it depends on how serious we take it. As parliamentarians, our job is to make sure this bill goes through. But what about the women’s group? They have to come out, the advocacy group, they have to come out, even the civil society group, every group that believes that women should be fairly represented, they all should come out. Make it a priority. Let’s make some noise, even the media. Let’s continue to talk about it. And we have a responsive president. And I think if he sees the way everyone is pushing it, every stakeholder is pushing this, there will be an assent”, he said.
