By Mercy Aikoye
Women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative houses is alarmingly low. Only 54 women out of 993 state assembly members hold seats, with some states having no female representation. This stark reality highlights the need for change.
The Founder of the TOS Foundation, Chief Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, is championing a cause to increase women’s representation in governance. She’s urging members of the National Assembly to support the Reserved Seat bill, which aims to create seats exclusively for women in the parliament.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche highlighted the challenges women face when contesting elections. “We have seen women who have been beaten up and their dresses torn, just because they want to represent their people,” she said. “It’s not because women don’t want to come out; but that when they do, the cost of doing is unnecessarily high.”
The proposed legislation seeks to create six Senate seats, 37 House of Representatives seats, and three state assembly seats per senatorial zone for women. Igbinedion-Ogwuche emphasized that this bill is not just about women but about Nigeria’s development. “This is about Nigeria. It is not about women. You cannot legislate for a people without the people with the lived experiences on the table.”
Journalists have a crucial role to play in shaping public opinion and influencing policy. Igbinedion-Ogwuche urged them to support the Reserved Seat bill, saying, “As journalists, you wield the power to change this. We need this to scale through.”
The Reserved Seat bill has the potential to bring about a new era of inclusive governance in Nigeria. With more women in parliament, the country can benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences. It’s time for lawmakers to take action and pass this critical legislation.
