First Lady commends House of Representatives on bill seeking 70 slots for women

…tasks stakeholders to walk the talk

By Tunde Opalana

The First Lady of Nigeria , Senator Oluremi Tinubu has challenged political office holders across the various political parties in Nigeria , to walk the talks on gender equity .

This is as she commended the House of Representatives for initiating and passing for second reading , the bill seeking for 70 out of the 360 legislative seats for women .

Tinubu who gave the charge in her speech at the spotlight initiative of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association ( ECOFEPA) , held at the alternate Chamber of the Senate , National Assembly ,Abuja Monday , said there is critical need to address and overcome the persistent gender disparities in our political systems.

” To fully achieve this across board, we must be seen to walk the talk”, she said .

In doing that she said the ruling party , the All Progressives Congress (APC), has taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free at the grassroots level, ensuring that capable and qualified women can participate in the political process without the burden of prohibitive costs.

She posited that after years of advocacy without desired results , legally backed enforcement may be put in place in changing the narratives.

She said : ” While quotas and education are essential, enforcement of these measures is equally critical. Governments must put in place robust mechanisms to ensure compliance with gender quotas.

“This includes legal frameworks and monitoring systems that hold political parties accountable.

“Constitutional amendments may also be necessary to enshrine gender equity in political representation.

“Such amendments would provide a solid legal foundation for women’s adequate representation, ensuring that gender equity is not just a policy preference but a constitutional mandate.

“The journey towards achieving 30% women representation in our parliament is achievable once we take the bold step to kick start the journey to an enduring democracy of quality representation.

” I commend the Federal House of Representatives for passing the Bill seeking to reserve 74 seats for women in the National Assembly in a bid to encourage more female participation in politics and governance.

‘I believe that the leadership in the Senate are gender-friendly and urge the 10th National Assembly to give women the necessary support.

“Nigerian women are smart and intelligent and can work alongside our male counterpart, without friction for the good and development of our country”.