In a push for constitutional reform, the European Union’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), through its implementing partner Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), have amplified their advocacy for increased women’s political representation. The virtual event with the National Assembly and the judiciary, was aimed at promoting gender inclusion in leadership positions, an area where women remain underrepresented.
In a webinar series organised by PLAC with funding from the European Union, discussions centred on the Special Seat Bill. This bill proposes the creation of additional legislative seats specifically for women, addressing long-standing concerns about gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political landscape. The reform seeks to ensure that women’s voices are not just heard but also actively contribute to shaping policies at the highest levels.
Key stakeholders in the series include members of the National Assembly, legal practitioners, civil society organisations, and gender advocates. They emphasised the importance of amending Nigeria’s constitution to create an enabling environment for women to participate in politics without barriers. Furthermore, they underscored the need for the judiciary’s role in safeguarding these reforms and ensuring their implementation is within the framework of the law.
The EU-SDGN programme remains committed to promoting gender equality in governance. By backing the Special Seat Bill and facilitating dialogues between the legislature and judiciary, the EU-SDGN aims to enhance women’s political representation, ultimately fostering a more inclusive democratic system in Nigeria.