A landmark bill proposing the allocation of special seats for women in Nigeria’s state and national assemblies has garnered significant support from notable women and stakeholders in Adamawa State. The ‘Reserved Seats for Women Bill’ aims to amend the country’s constitution, establishing one additional seat for women per state and the Federal Capital Territory in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This would create a total of 74 new seats at the federal level, and at the state level, three additional seats for women per state would be added, resulting in 108 new seats across the country.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, recently brought together stakeholders in Adamawa State to rally support for the bill. The event drew government officials, civil society representatives, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Mrs. Eliana Martins, Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, emphasized the bill’s potential to enhance gender equity by creating exclusive seats for women in the national and state assemblies. “The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is a transformative piece of legislation designed to enhance gender equity,” she explained.
The event also saw the acknowledgment of support from the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN, and praise for the Adamawa State Government’s collaboration. The Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Neido Tanyishi Geoffrey Kofulto, expressed appreciation for FIDA’s efforts and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive governance. “The Fintiri-led administration is making deliberate policy efforts to promote gender equality and support the rights of women and children,” the commissioner said.
Kate Mamuno Raymond, the Majority Leader in the Adamawa State House of Assembly and the only woman in the 25-member Assembly, urged women to remain united and sustain their advocacy efforts to ensure the bill’s passage. The meeting concluded with renewed calls for stakeholders to support the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, aiming for greater equity and inclusive governance. The proposed legislation is designed to be in effect for 16 years, spanning four election cycles, after which it may be reviewed. With the support of key stakeholders, the bill has the potential to make significant strides in promoting gender equality in Nigeria’s governance structure.
