Stakeholders from Sokoto South Senatorial District have reviewed and unanimously endorsed the memorandum on the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, which is to be presented to the Constitutional Reforms Committee during the forthcoming public hearing.
After a thorough review of the bill’s memorandum during a senatorial advocacy/town hall meeting held in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area, stakeholders agreed that the nation can only progress through the genuine inclusion of women in leadership positions at all levels.
The town hall meeting was organized by the Sokoto State chapter of the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), with funding support from the United Kingdom International Development and UN Women.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Mr. Ifeanyi Eze, Project Lead on Advancing Women’s Participation in Politics (AWPP) and FIDA Nigeria Programme Officer, stated that the Reserved Seat Bill would not only encourage women’s participation but also boost their confidence to demonstrate their leadership capabilities.
Speaking on the topic, “Unravelling Women’s Political Participation vis-à-vis Voter Turnout in Nigeria”, Mr. Ifeanyi decried the low level of participation, stating that without the passage of the Reserved Seat Bill, changing the narrative would remain difficult.
Highlighting the prospects of the bill, he expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support received from both men and women in Sokoto regarding the AWPP project.
He further stated,
“The best thing that has happened to this project is the willingness and support of our stakeholders—especially traditional and religious leaders, market women, and the general public—for their determination to ensure this bill is endorsed and eventually passed.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chairperson of FIDA Sokoto Chapter, Barrister Zainab Bello Aliyu, emphasized that until inclusive governance is promoted in both appointive and elective positions, the hidden leadership potential of women may remain underutilized.
Barrister Zainab appealed to all and sundry to support the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, reaffirming that the time is ripe for such liberation.
Expressing their views on the bill, stakeholders at the town hall meeting said they were pleased that the issue is gaining ground during their time.
