This document provides an analysis of the Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution, to provide for seat reservation for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly (HB 1349). It explores its implications, the concept of affirmative action, and use of temporary special measures to boost the numbers of women in the legislature. It also explores the argument around the potential increase in the cost of governance that will come with the bill if passed and implemented. This includes research into the National and National Assembly budget and impact of additional seats in the legislature on these budgets.
A key indicator for benchmarking democratic legislatures worldwide is its representativeness, particularly, the composition of women in parliament. It is considered best practice for representative bodies like the National and State Houses of Assembly to have substantial representation of affected populations, such as women, for them to influence policy outcomes
Read bill analysis here: tinyurl.com/26ce3h33