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| L–R: Funmi Olukeye, Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny, Andrew Mamedu, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, Ebere Ifendu and Bose Ironsi during a meeting at the United Nations Headquarters on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York. |
A delegation of Nigerian women advocates has taken the campaign for the passage of the Special Seats Bill to the United Nations, seeking global support to boost women’s representation in politics.
The delegation, led by ActionAid Nigeria, met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
Speaking during the meeting, Mohammed commended the group’s commitment to gender equality, stressing the need for increased participation of women in governance.
“Nigeria needs more women in governance, and everyone — men and women alike — must work together to make this happen. Adequate representation brings balance and drives development,” she said.
ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said the advocacy was aimed at advancing inclusive leadership, describing women as central to national development.
He noted that the Special Seats Bill would help correct gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political space and promote inclusive governance.
The proposed bill seeks to create additional elective positions exclusively for women, including three seats per state in the Senate and six per state in the House of Representatives.
Although introduced in 2020, the bill is yet to be passed despite undergoing debates and public hearings in the National Assembly.
Advocates have continued to push for its passage ahead of future elections, insisting it remains key to improving women’s political representation in Nigeria.
Source: The Sun Nigeria