Kaduna State Governor, Umar Zulum, has taken a bold stance on gender inclusion in politics, calling for the creation of reserved seats for women in elective offices across Nigeria. The governor made the plea during a women’s leadership forum in Kaduna, highlighting the need to give Nigerian women a stronger voice in decision-making processes.
Governor Zulum stressed that women continue to face structural barriers in politics, from limited access to campaign funding to societal biases that discourage their participation. According to him, reserving political seats for women would not only empower them but also enhance governance by ensuring diverse perspectives in lawmaking and policy formulation.
He further urged political parties, civil society, and lawmakers to collaborate on practical strategies that promote female participation at all levels of government. “Nigeria cannot achieve its full potential without the active engagement of women in leadership. This is not just a matter of fairness, it is a matter of progress,” Zulum stated.
The governor’s proposal comes amid growing national conversations about gender equality and representation, with advocates calling for actionable measures to increase the number of women in elective positions. Experts say that reserving seats has proven effective in other countries, resulting in more inclusive governance and policies that reflect the needs of all citizens.
Women leaders at the forum welcomed the governor’s call, describing it as timely and necessary to break long-standing barriers in Nigeria’s political landscape. They expressed hope that Zulum’s advocacy would galvanize lawmakers to enact legal frameworks that ensure meaningful female representation.
Governor Zulum’s push for reserved seats underscores a growing recognition across Nigerian states that gender equity in politics is crucial for sustainable development, social justice, and inclusive governance.
