15 States Exclude Women In Decision Making At State Assemblies...Kalu

 …Maintain Zero Presence Of women At State Assembly Sittings

  Today, 15 states in Nigeria have zero elected women in their assemblies. At the national level, women make up a meager 3.6% of the Senate and 4.7% of the House of Representatives.

By Benard Akoma February 24, 2025

  The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu has made a strong case for the passage of the Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349).

Decrying the imbalances in women representation at the state and national Assemblies, Kalu said that the need for the passage of the bill is not just about justice but is about national strategy and national prosperity.

Speaking at a 3-Day workshop on public presentation of the national women leaders forum's operational guidelines and the roles of political parties in the passage of seat reservation for women bills (HB 1349) in Abuja on Monday, Kalu described as alarming the fact that 15 States in Nigeria do not have any female lawmakers in their Assembly. He lamented that even at the national level, women make up only 3.6% of the Senate and 4.7% of the House of Representatives.

He regretted that the underrepresentation is not just a statistical anomaly, but also a barrier to national progress. Kalu, who is the sponsor of the bill which seeks to reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, said that its aim is to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that mirrors the diversity of the nation.

Kalu however explained that the proposal is modeled after successful initiatives in countries like Rwanda and Senegal, where women's representation has increased to over 40%.

According to him, "Democracy thrives not merely through elections, but through inclusion," saying "When half of our population remains underrepresented in halls of power, our democracy is not just weakened—it is incomplete," he enthused.

Continuing, he further stated, “today, 15 states in Nigeria have zero elected women in their assemblies. At the national level, women make up a meager 3.6% of the Senate and 4.7% of the House of Representatives. These figures are not just statistics; they are a stain on our collective conscience and a barrier to national progress,” he lamented.

"The Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349), which I proudly sponsor,” he said, “seeks to alter this narrative and by reserving seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that mirrors the diversity of our nation. This is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity, Kalu affirms.