Nigerian House of Representatives has called on the partnership of the media as it seeks support of stakeholders in the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
The Bill, HB: 1349, seeks to amend the Nigerian constitution to create additional, dedicated seats for women, which would be contested only by female candidates. This is aimed at increasing the representation of women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. It is intended as a temporary measure to address the severe underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics.
During a press briefing organized by the office of the Speaker of the House of Representative, on Tuesday, July 29th, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara who is the Chairman of House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development called on members of the media to join in the efforts to sensitize Nigerians on the importance of supporting this bill.
Hon. Ogbara who is also the member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos state, revealed that the support of all stakeholders, including state governors, traditional rulers and community rulers, is needed for the bill which was rejected during the 9th Assembly to scale throw in this 10th Assembly.
On her part, Senator Ireti Kingibe, the senate committee chairman on Women Affairs stated that Nigerian women are severely under represented at the level of law and policy making. This is why it is imperative to to support the bill to give girls, wives, sisters and mothers the representation they deserve at the Nigerian parliament.
Below are more pictures from the media engagement.
