Kalu: Reserved seats bill will ensure fair women representation

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stated that the bill seeking to create reserved seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly is not an act of tokenism but a move to ensure fair representation of women in the nation’s governance architecture.

Kalu, who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, stated this on Friday while delivering his remarks at a special dialogue series on the reserved seats bill, hosted in Abuja by Emerge Women Development Initiative, tagged ‘SheThePeople’.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sam Hart, Kalu noted that the proposed legislation is a collective commitment of the House to encourage women’s inclusion in governance.

A statement issued on Friday by the Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, Udora Orizu, quoted Kalu as saying, “This event is not just a moment in time, but a movement toward justice, equality, and empowerment. The Reserved Seats Bill, HB 1349, sponsored by me and some members of the House, is a legislative effort that seeks to carve out a dedicated space for women in our governance structures.

“As Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, I believe it is essential to examine the provisions of our Constitution and ensure that they promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Hence, we have considered this bill that would create reserved seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly, promote inclusive governance, enhance women’s political representation, and address gender disparities in our governance framework.

“This bill is not just a piece of legislation or an act of tokenism; it is proof of our collective commitment to change the narrative and to disrupt the status quo that has long sidelined women from decision-making tables.”

According to the Abia lawmaker, there is a need to review the electoral laws, party politics, and societal norms that hinder women’s representation.

“We therefore must work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable political environment that encourages women to participate and thrive. As we deep dive into these discussions today, let us remember that the struggle for women’s representation is not merely a fight for gender balance but a pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.

“It is a call to harness the untapped potential of half of our population who have the insight, compassion, and perspective to lead with empathy and vision. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unflinching belief in the power of women to transform our world. Together, let us continue to deepen the conversation, accelerate representation, and create a legacy of equality and empowerment for generations to come,” he added.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Founding Director of Emerge Women Development Initiative and Convener of SheThePeople Dialogue, Mary Ikoku, said that the event aims to foster high-level conversations around women’s political participation and empowerment in Nigeria.

“Let us be clear: the time for talking is over. This dialogue must translate into action—through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and political pressure. We must back the Deputy Speaker and all reform-minded lawmakers. This moment calls for unity of purpose because real change only happens when we demand it—and sustain that demand,” she added.

MESSAGE us @ https://Wa.me/+2348072633727 for business relationship, Advert, PR, Publicity, Awareness, Interviews, Feature Stories, Press Release/Statement and so on…

YOU CAN READ MORE NEWS UPDATES AND INFO @ https://www.voiceairmedia.com