In a powerful showing of solidarity and advocacy, stakeholders in Ebonyi State have called on the government to adopt the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill once it receives national assent. This appeal was made at a recent event organized by the Women Aid Collective (WACOL), in partnership with UN Women and funded by the Government of Canada. The roundtable discussion held in Abakaliki on Wednesday brought together an array of participants from political parties, civil society organizations, religious groups, and government ministries, all united in their support for gender parity in political representation.
At the heart of the discussions was a clarion call for the Ebonyi State government to allocate 40% of elective and appointive positions to women, a significant step towards achieving gender equality in political participation. The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, which has made considerable progress in the National Assembly by passing its second reading in the Senate—with 74 special seats exclusively for women being approved—serves as a key instrument in this mission. This bill aims to amend several sections of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and boost female representation and participation in politics.
Mrs. Nkechi Igwe, the programme lead for WACOL, emphasized the crucial role that state-level constitutional and legislative reforms will play in making this bill effective. “The state government needs to support the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill not just at the national level, but also expedite its domestication in Ebonyi State,” Igwe stated passionately. She reinforced the urgent need for alliances with supportive men within political parties and government offices to help usher in more female politicians by the year 2027.
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The impacts of the proposed legislation extend beyond mere numbers. If passed, it will become effective in the 11th Assembly and will be examined for relevance every 16 years. The bill outlines the creation of 111 special seats in the National Assembly dedicated solely to women, providing an important platform and increasing opportunities for female political representation.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, lauded the bill as a pivotal tool for creating a fair and inclusive society. Throughout her address, she outlined actionable strategies to improve women’s political involvement. These included leadership training for aspiring female politicians, policy reforms aimed at achieving gender balance, and public campaigns designed to challenge and dismantle harmful societal stereotypes.
Mrs. Nwankpuma also underscored the significance of forming robust networks among women leaders, which can offer mentorship and support to those seeking political office. This kind of collective effort is vital in ensuring that women can navigate the political landscape more effectively.
Reverend Scamb Nwokolo, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State chapter, urged women to come together and support one another in their political pursuits. He called for a transformative shift in mindset, encouraging women to abandon jealousy and envy, which often undermine collective progress. “Unity among women in politics is essential for mutual success,” he insisted.
Adding legal weight to the event, Dr. Ben Odoh, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, expressed his strong support for the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill. He committed to ensuring that his ministry would provide the necessary legal advocacy to guarantee its successful passage and implementation. Dr. Odoh’s assurances point to a growing recognition among government officials of the need for systemic changes that support gender inclusivity.
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A notable speaker at the event was Mrs. Nwogbaga Mercy, Chairperson of the Young Progressives Party (YPP). Drawing from her own experience, she recounted a personal story of workplace discrimination—how her pregnancy led her to resign from her position at the State Security Service (SSS). Her testimony highlighted the systemic challenges women face in the workplace and reinforced the urgency of the bill’s domestication in Ebonyi State. “We need legal protections that shield women from these injustices,” she asserted firmly.
The sentiments from the event reflect a broader movement across Nigeria aiming to empower women politically, socially, and economically. The combined voices of these stakeholders call for immediate action from the state government, urging rapid adoption and implementation of policies that will foster equitable representation and participation.
As the discussions continue, one thing is clear: the push for gender equality in Ebonyi State and beyond is not just a women’s issue; it’s a community issue. The support from diverse sectors underscores a collective commitment to building a more balanced political landscape—one where women are not only participants but key decision-makers.
The emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and systemic change highlights the critical role that all members of society play in achieving gender balance in politics. By supporting the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and advocating for the 40% rule in political appointments and elections, Ebonyi State is taking important strides towards a fairer, more inclusive future for all.