The National Assembly will work at removing all systemic barriers to women’s participation in governance in the country, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, has assured.
Abass, gave this assurance in Abuja at the National Citizens’ Summit on Constitutional Reform and Campaign on Ending Violence against Women and Girls.
The Speaker, who was represented by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the constitutional reform would be tailored towards empowering women, ensuring their safety, and promoting their full participation in governance.
He underscored the need for collaboration with women’s groups, faith leaders, and traditional institutions to amplify women’s voices and protect their rights.
Abass described the Summit as a significant milestone, as they launched campaigns to increase women’s participation in elective and appointive positions and end violence against women and girls.
He pointed out that the campaign aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality.
He pledged that under his leadership, the House of Representatives would advance constitutional reforms that would address national needs and prioritise women and girls’ empowerment, safety and full participation.
The Speaker while highlighting the alarming statistics from the World Health Organization which states that one in three women globally has experienced violence, he described it as unacceptable.
He said: “We must break the cycle of history. This time, we are better prepared with renewed strategies, broader coalitions, and stronger public support to end violence against women and girls.”
He stressed the importance of constitutional reforms in advancing gender equality and addressing violence against women and girls.
Drawing from global examples, he cited the adaptability of constitutions, such as the 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, to address critical issues like civil rights and social reforms.
Abass also praised past constitutional amendments, including the 2018 “Not Too Young to Run” law, which expanded political opportunities and space for young Nigerians.
Meanwhile, ahead of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the Speaker invited stakeholders to provide recommendations for addressing the needs of women and girls.
He emphasised that inclusivity and transparency would guide the House’s efforts to craft a budget that supports all Nigerians, reflecting their voices and aspirations.
“The 10th House of Representatives is resolute in its mission to adapt our constitution, uphold the rule of law, and protect the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, irrespective of gender,” he said.
In his remarks, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said he was committed to championing gender inclusion and fight against gender based violence.
On his part, Ogundoyin, who is Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, revealed that women only hold 57 seats out of 991 seats across the 36 State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.
He said: “This under-representation underscores the need for urgent action. The Conference of Speakers is ready to support temporary special measures, including gender quotas, to increase women’s participation in governance.
“We recognise that gender-based violence is a significant obstacle to women’s participation and empowerment.
“Let’s work together to address the systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in politics and end gender based violence in Nigeria.”
In her remarks, UN Women Deputy Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Nesreen El Molla, said the UN Women was irrevocably committed to advancing women’s inclusion and addressing violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
El Molla commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives for providing leadership and enabling environment during the planning of the Summit.
While thanking the Canadian and United Kingdom governments for the funding support, she noted that violence against women and girls does not have a place in modern society.
She urged participants to come up with actionable proposal to improve women’s participation in governance in the country.
The highpoint of the Summit was the unveiling of a national campaign for women’s inclusion and representation in elective and appointive positions through constitutional and electoral reforms.
The Summit brought together the Speakers, Majority, and Minority Leaders of the State Houses of Assembly, religious leaders, traditional institutions, women’s groups, civil society organisations, the media, persons with disabilities, among others, to engage on constitutional reform and campaign to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
