Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has announced that the House of Representatives is considering a bill to reserve special seats for women in parliament.
The bill, titled “Seat Reservation Bill,” seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution and provide special seats for women in the legislature.
Kalu made this known while speaking at the Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) Inspiring Women Summit in Owerri, Imo state.
He emphasized the importance of gender equality and inclusiveness, noting that women constitute 49.32% of Nigeria’s population but are underrepresented in institutions and governance.
The Deputy Speaker commended the founder of WODDI, Dr. Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, for organizing the summit and urged the participants to unleash their full potentials.
He expressed confidence that the women would leave the summit inspired and equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
The bill, sponsored by Kalu and his colleagues, aims to improve the representation of women in legislative institutions.
The Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), a social development initiative, has also prioritized gender issues in its programs.