Nigeria’s politics is on the cusp of a revolution as advocates push for gender bills to reserve seats for women, aiming to shatter the glass ceiling and create a more inclusive parliament.
The Road to Gender Inclusion in Nigeria’s Politics
Nigeria’s National Assembly is dominated by men, with women making up only 4.3% of the total membership.
The Case for Reserved Seats for Women
Gender rights advocates and civil society organizations are backing a new legislation known as the ‘Reserved Seat for Women bill,’ which could change the dynamics in Nigeria’s parliament. The bill aims to reserve a set number of seats for women in federal and state legislatures, forcing change by providing more opportunities for women to participate in politics.
The Reserved Seat for Women bill is a legislative measure aimed at promoting gender equality in elected bodies.
Introduced to ensure women's representation, the bill mandates a minimum percentage of seats reserved for female candidates.
This policy has been implemented in various countries, including India, where it was introduced in 1996.
The bill aims to increase women's participation in politics and decision-making processes.
According to a study, only 24% of elected representatives worldwide are women, highlighting the need for such measures.
‘Only 4.3% of Nigeria’s federal lawmakers are women. That’s not representation, that’s exclusion,’ Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, a gender rights advocate, says. ‘The current political landscape in Nigeria does not favor women’s entrance into politics and governance because it’s skewed from the very beginning.’
Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche is a Nigerian journalist and news anchor.
Born in Nigeria, she gained recognition for her work as a presenter on various television stations.
With extensive experience in the media industry, Ogwuche has covered numerous high-profile events and stories.
She is known for her investigative reporting skills and ability to tackle sensitive topics with professionalism.
The Need for Inclusivity
Ogwuche believes that more women in government could lead to smarter policies and a more stable economy. ‘Rwandan example shows that gender equality can have better economic outcomes.’
Nigeria ranks poorly in women’s representation globally, with only 4.3% of its lawmakers being female. Analysts say that women are systemically excluded from the political process due to party systems that favor men.
According to the United Nations, women hold only 24.9% of parliamentary seats worldwide.
In some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, women are still barred from voting or running for office.
However, progress is being made in many regions.
For example, Rwanda has the highest percentage of female parliamentarians, with over 61%.
Women's representation in politics is crucial for promoting gender equality and addressing issues affecting women.
Overcoming Systemic Barriers
The bill is seen as a crucial step forward in promoting inclusivity and representation currently lacking in Nigeria. However, critics point out that even with more women in parliament, it may be challenging for them to win elections.
Women play a critical role in Nigeria’s informal sector but are largely marginalized in politics. Famous Nigerian women such as Amina Mohammed, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are advocates for change but still face systemic barriers.
The Way Forward
Creating space for women in governance is not just about representation; it’s about creating a more equitable and just society. If Nigeria wants to solve complex problems like insecurity, unemployment, or failing infrastructure, it needs half of its population involved in decision-making.
The bill has the potential to amplify the voices of marginalized women who are excluded from decision making processes. By reserving seats for women, Nigeria can ensure that they have a platform to share their experiences and perspectives.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s struggle for gender inclusion is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. The ‘Reserved Seat for Women bill‘ offers a way forward by providing more opportunities for women to participate in politics. With the support of civil society groups, it can inspire a new generation of women leaders and align Nigeria with global democratic norms.
