Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on political leaders across Nigeria to take concrete steps towards achieving gender equity in politics, emphasizing the need for legislative support.
Speaking at the spotlight initiative of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association at the alternate Chamber of the Senate, National Assembly, Abuja on Monday, Tinubu applauded the House of Representatives for advancing a bill to reserve 70 out of 360 legislative seats for women.
“There is a critical need to address and overcome the persistent gender disparities in our political systems. To fully achieve this, we must be committed to action, not just words,” Tinubu stated.
She highlighted efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to enhance female participation by eliminating financial barriers through free nomination forms at the grassroots level.
“After years of advocacy with inadequate results, enforceable legal measures may be necessary to alter the status quo,” she added.
“While quotas and education are essential, enforcement mechanisms are equally crucial. Governments must establish robust frameworks to ensure compliance with gender quotas, including legal provisions and monitoring systems that hold political parties accountable.”
Tinubu proposed constitutional amendments to institutionalize gender equity in political representation, asserting that such amendments would provide a firm legal basis for ensuring adequate female representation.
“The journey towards achieving 30% women representation in our parliament is within reach if we initiate steps towards a democracy characterized by inclusive representation,” Tinubu affirmed.
She commended the House of Representatives for their proactive stance in supporting gender parity and called on the Senate to provide similar backing.
“Nigerian women possess the intellect and capability to collaborate harmoniously with their male counterparts for the nation’s progress and development,” Tinubu concluded.
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