Benue women leaders call for passage of Special Seats for Women Bill
From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi Women leaders and advocates in Benue State have called for the quick passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill, a constitutional amendment designed to enhance
From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi
Women leaders and advocates in Benue State have called for the quick passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill, a constitutional amendment designed to enhance female representation in Nigeria’s political institutions.
A delegation of women leaders visited the Makurdi residences of two federal lawmakers, Dickson Tarkighir and Asema Achado, yesterday to solicit support for the proposed legislation.
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Lady Ruth Kpengwa, the state Chairperson, League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), presented a petition to Tarkighir, representing Makurdi/Guma in the House of Representatives.
She highlighted the substantial underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s governance, noting that despite constituting nearly half of the population, women occupy less than five per cent of elective positions, one of the lowest rates globally.
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Kpengwa explained that the bill aims to establish additional seats reserved for women in both the national and state assemblies, drawing inspiration from models in Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda.
She emphasised that such reforms are crucial to rectifying historical imbalances, strengthening democratic institutions, and fulfilling Nigeria’s commitments under international treaties such as CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol. Kpengwa noted that the campaign was a constructive advocacy effort rather than a protest and urged lawmakers to mobilise their colleagues, vote in favour of the bill, and resist attempts to weaken its provisions.
At Achado’s residence, Mrs. Carmel Utor, the NILOWV Zone B Coordinator, led a delegation to garner support, arguing that greater female participation in governance would enhance legitimacy, foster national unity, and drive inclusive economic development through policies that reflect the needs of citizens.
