Women’s bill, 10th Assembly’s defining moment

The bill, which has gained traction among civil society groups and women-led coalitions, is now inching toward its third reading sometime in the month. If passed, it will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, where two-thirds approval is required before it lands on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s desk for assent.

Support from key figures such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas appear promising. But optimism must be tempered with caution especially since a similar bill was first introduced in the 9th Assembly in 2022 but failed to pass despite backing from then Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. That feeling of disappointment lingers in the air.

Nigeria’s political landscape is starkly male-dominated. Out of 469 seats in the National Assembly, only 19 are held by women; a paltry four per cent. At the state level, the picture is even bleaker with at least 15 states having no female legislators at all. These figures are not just embarrassing; they are symptomatic of a deeper malaise in a socio-political system that has consistently sidelined half of its population.

Internationally, the reality is saddening as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) ranks Nigeria 178th out of 182 countries in terms of women’s representation in national parliaments. The country is also at the bottom in Africa. This is a stain on Nigeria’s democratic credentials especially since it continues to pride itself as the “Giant of Africa.”

Critics of the Special Seats Bill argue that reserving seats for women is discriminatory against men. This argument, while not entirely new, misses the point. The bill is not about giving women undue advantage; it is about correcting a systemic imbalance that has persisted for decades. It proposes one additional Senate seat per state and the FCT, one additional House of Representatives seat per state and the FCT, and three extra seats per state in the state assemblies, to be reserved for women.

Again, this is not a permanent fix as the bill includes a clause that calls for a mandatory review after 16 years to assess its impact and determine its future. In essence, it is almost like a pilot intervention, a strategic attempt to level the playing field and allow women to demonstrate their capacity in governance.

Besides, Nigeria is not alone in grappling with gender disparity in politics. Countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya have implemented quota systems or reserved seats for women, with remarkable results. Rwanda, for instance, has the highest percentage of women in parliament globally and is ranked number one by the IPU. It shows that intentional action to close the gender gap can yield transformative outcomes in every country.

Therefore, Nigeria must learn from these examples. The argument that merit alone should determine political representation ignores the structural barriers that have historically kept women out of the race. Just as the argument that women should mobilise and vote for women ignores the fact that candidates are first products of powerful political parties where again, men dominate and control.

Besides, this bill is not just about increasing the number of women legislators, as many stakeholders have stressed, it is about impact. Women bring unique perspectives to governance, especially on issues that disproportionately affect them such as maternal and child health, education, child marriage, and gender-based violence. Their inclusion in legislative processes ensures that these concerns are not relegated to the background.

Moreover, increased female representation can inspire a new generation of girls to aspire to leadership positions. It sends a powerful message that their voices matter, that their dreams are valid, and that their country is willing to make room for them at the table.

Therefore, we at Daily Trust call on all women groups to rally around this bill with unity and resolve. But the burden of change should not rest on their shoulders alone. Men especially those in positions of power must recognise that supporting this bill is not an act of benevolence but a duty to justice. They must be willing to challenge the patriarchal norms that have long defined Nigeria’s political culture.

The passage of this bill would signal that Nigeria is ready to embrace inclusive governance, not just in rhetoric but in action. It would show that the country is serious about addressing its development challenges. The Special Seats Bill offers Nigeria a rare opportunity to correct a historical wrong and the 10th Assembly must rise to the occasion for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

We urge the executive and legislature to give this bill the attention and support it deserves. This time, the special seat bill must be passed.