Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the need for special legislative seats for women, stressing that such a move would not only deepen the nation’s democratic processes but also ensure inclusive governance.
Speaking on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Nigeria Women National Conference held in Abuja, the First Lady said the representation of women in elective positions remains significantly low, despite their immense contributions to national development. She argued that institutional mechanisms like reserved seats could help bridge the gender gap in politics.
According to her, “Creating special seats for women in the National Assembly is not about favouritism. It is about equity, fairness, and giving voice to over 50 percent of the population who are underrepresented in our decision-making processes.”
Mrs. Tinubu called on lawmakers and political leaders to support constitutional amendments and policies that would pave the way for greater female representation in both elective and appointive positions. She noted that other African countries, including Rwanda and Senegal, have recorded success stories in gender inclusion through such affirmative actions.
The First Lady also used the occasion to highlight the efforts of her Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at empowering women economically and socially across the country.
She added, “Strengthening democracy requires inclusiveness. Women must be at the table, not as spectators, but as active participants in shaping the future of Nigeria.”
The conference, themed “Empowering Women for National Development”, drew participants from government, civil society, and the private sector. It served as a platform to deliberate on gender-related issues and strategies to enhance women’s participation in governance.
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