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Speaker Abbas commits to gender equality bill at Southern Women inaugural conference
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed commitment to reintroduce and support the bill on special seats reserved for women in the constitutional amendment proceedings to enhance women’s representation in the political sphere.
Speaker Abbas said this during the inaugural conference of the Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEP), held under the leadership of Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin, president of SWEP, with the theme: “Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in Nigeria at Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja.
SWEP decried the reduction in the number of women elected into various offices across the country after the 2023 general election.
The Forum received the commitment of the Speaker to reintroduce and support the bill on special seats reserved for women in the constitutional amendment proceedings.
Speaker Abbas, who was represented by Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Otunba Adewumi Onanuga, stated that democracy could only be meaningful and attractive when it ensures the inclusion and participation of all segments of the society irrespective of faith, gender, identity, and other class divisions.
“I make odd to say that there can be no democracy and indeed development without women,” he said.
The Speaker assured that the house will pass the gender equal opportunities bill “to ensure women are active and equal participants in Nigeria’s political and decision making processes.
“The house will strengthen oversight of government institutions to ensure compliance with the National Gender Policy,” as well as “the full implementation of the 35 percent Affirmative Action on appointing an elective position in both public and private sectors.”
Similarly, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, encouraged the forum to stay dedicated to the cause of promoting women’s rights and economic empowerment.
As the National Grand Matron of the forum, Jonathan reflected on her time as Nigeria’s first lady, emphasising her efforts in advocating for, and mentoring women to hold at least 35 percent of leadership positions in the country.
“Then I founded Woman for Change and Development Initiative as my pet projects to advance this course.”
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Mrs. Jonathan, who was represented by Mrs. Adike Iloma, promised to make herself available to work with members of the forum to advance the course of Nigerian women.
“I believe that gradually we shall build the capacity of women in our country to adequately equip them for the tasks of guiding our nation to peace, progress and prosperity,” she added.
In her remarks, President of SWEP Dr. Adebakin said she is committed to championing the cause of women empowerment and breaking down the barriers that have held women back for far too long.
Dr. Adebakin assured that the forum would strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential without being confined by outdated notions of what it means to be a woman.
“As we navigate the dynamic landscape of women’s empowerment, let us engage in insightful discussions, share experiences, and forge partnerships that will propel us towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
“Together, we can create a future where every woman is not only free to dream but is also empowered to turn those dreams into reality,” she stated.
Similarly during the event, SWEP empowered men and women from different walks of life to mitigate the multi-dimensional poverty in the country.
Dr. Adebakin presented cash empowerment to about ten individuals randomly selected from different parts of the country.
The forum’s leadership pledged to extend more empowerment programmes to rural individuals to bring about development in the country.
Present at the event is the Royal Father of the day, Ambassador Abeeb Adetoyese Abayi, the revered Olu of Ilegbo Kingdom in Osun State.
Also in attendance are Mrs. Regia Diri, the wife of the Bayelsa State governor, as well as Mrs. Eunice Egwu, the former first Lady of Ebonyi State.
Others are Mrs. Fatima Raji-Rasaki, the wife of the former governor of Lagos State, the distinguished Hon. Beni Lar, former representative of Langtang North and Langtang South federal Constituency of Plateau State, and Amina Arong, the Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Together, they lent their support to the noble cause of creating a moment that shimmered with empowerment and unity.
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