Katsina assembly commits to enacting law for 35% women participation in education sector
Story from Abbas Bamalli
The Katsina State House of Assembly has pledged to prioritize the passage of a bill advocating for 35% women involvement in the education sector.
During a one-day meeting supported by UNICEF and the High Level Women Advocacy (HILWA) in Kano on Saturday, assembly members affirmed their commitment to realizing this crucial initiative.
Sponsored by HILWA, the bill has already undergone the second reading at the assembly, including a public hearing.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Nasir Yahaya-Daura, assured attendees that the lawmakers were resolutely dedicated to enacting the bill, recognizing the profound impact of investing in girls’ education on the state’s development.
Yahaya-Daura emphasized the legislature’s determination to enact laws to enhance the enrollment of the girl-child in schools, reaffirming the government and legislature’s support for gender representation in governance. He assured that the bill would be promptly passed once the committee submits its report.
The HILWA Chairperson, Hajiya Mariya Abdullahi, highlighted the critical importance of women’s participation in providing education, stressing that it would significantly improve learning conditions for girls and boys alike. Michael Banda, UNICEF’s Officer in charge of Kano Field Office, emphasized that promoting 35% affirmative action for women would motivate and inspire girls to pursue education, contributing to improved enrollment, retention, and completion rates.
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This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s existing national gender policy, aiming to facilitate the involvement of women in all governance processes.
The commitment of the Katsina State House of Assembly to enacting this bill reflects a significant step towards empowering and supporting women’s participation in the education sector.
