The world marked International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, and Nigeria joined in the global celebration. This year’s theme is “Accelerate Action.”
This theme is particularly relevant as Nigeria, with a population of over 250 million, continues to have one of the lowest levels of women’s participation in the legislature. Currently, only 16 (now 15) women are represented in the 360-member House of Representatives. In the 109-member Senate, only 4 (now 3) women are represented. This is a bad reflection on Nigeria’s, democracy and international reputation.
Countries with more women in politics and business have stronger economies, reduced inequalities, and better social policies such as Rwanda, which implemented gender quotas, now has the highest percentage of female lawmakers in the world, leading to progressive policies in education, healthcare, and economic growth. Norway’s gender quota for corporate boards has strengthened its economy and promoted more ethical leadership. Nigeria’s own history shows that when women are in power, real change happens, like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who helped negotiate Nigeria’s debt relief, or late Dora Akunyili, who led the fight against counterfeit drugs.
Despite years of advocacy, progress has been painfully slow. That is why bold steps are needed like the Special Seats Bill, one of the strongest attempts to increase women’s representation in Nigerian politics. Sponsored by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and twelve other lawmakers, the bill proposes the creation of one additional legislative seat for women in each state and the Federal Capital Territory. This would bring a total of 74 seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives. It also suggests adding three special seats for women in each of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, creating 108 seats for women at the state level.