Speaking at a public event attended by lawmakers, community leaders, and women’s rights activists, the Deputy Governor emphasized that women’s involvement in legislative processes is crucial for inclusive governance and social development. She noted that despite constituting a significant portion of the population, women remain underrepresented in state assemblies across Nigeria, limiting their influence in policy-making and governance.
“Our women have the talent, the ideas, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance. Setting a 35% quota for women in the state assembly is not just a number—it is a commitment to equality, social justice, and better governance,” she stated.
The Deputy Governor also urged political parties, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders to support policies that empower women, including leadership training, mentorship, and financial support for female candidates. She stressed that increasing female representation would lead to more comprehensive legislation, better community development, and improved social welfare policies.
The call for a 35% quota aligns with global efforts to promote gender equality in politics, echoing initiatives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Analysts say that if implemented, the policy could serve as a model for other Nigerian states, potentially transforming political participation nationwide.
Reactions from political stakeholders and women’s advocacy groups have been largely positive, with many praising the Deputy Governor for taking bold steps to champion gender inclusiveness in governance. However, some critics have argued that achieving the quota will require structural reforms within political parties and the electoral system to ensure meaningful representation rather than mere tokenism.
The Deputy Governor concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to create a political environment where women can thrive, promising to continue advocating for policies that promote equality, fairness, and sustainable development.
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