By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
EU emphasizes women’s political inclusion for sustainable development
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, has emphasized the crucial role of women’s active participation in politics and decision-making for Nigeria to achieve equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy.
Isopi highlighted the challenges women face, including social, cultural, and financial barriers, despite their fundamental right to engage in political life. She urged stakeholders, particularly the National Assembly, to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing constitution reform process to promote gender parity through a legal framework that discourages gender-based discrimination.
Speaking at a roundtable on women’s inclusion in politics organized by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Isopi stressed the importance of increasing women’s representation in government. The event focused on exploring the use of temporary special measures to elect women to parliaments.
Isopi underscored the need for effective strategies to enhance women’s political participation, citing evidence that higher female representation in office leads to policymaking that prioritizes quality of life and addresses the concerns of families and marginalized groups.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the value women bring to nation-building, advocating for electoral quotas to address the gender imbalance in political representation. He lamented Nigeria’s low ranking in female representation and called for proactive measures to address the disparity.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, highlighted the pressing need for increased gender inclusivity in governance. She noted the significant gaps in women’s participation in political spheres and emphasized the importance of addressing discriminatory practices within political parties and legislative chambers.
Fatima Talba, Chairman of the House Committee on Women in Parliament, stressed the urgency of addressing the imbalance in governance and empowering women in politics. She called for greater representation of women in decision-making bodies to protect their interests.
Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, highlighted the challenges women face in contesting elections and called for structural reforms to address the crisis of inclusion in Nigeria’s democracy.
The roundtable discussions underscored the importance of women’s political inclusion as a catalyst for sustainable development and urged concerted efforts to overcome existing barriers to gender equality in Nigeria
Women’s Inclusion, Sustainable Development