The House of Representatives has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations on the need to increase the number of women in governance.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, explained in Abuja that the partnership would amplify the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and the Bill on Women’s Parliamentary Seats.
Abbas, who was represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, said the advocacy partnership will serve as a tool to lobby other stakeholders, especially the constituents, for women’s inclusivity.
The speaker, while stressing the need to build the capacity of women and sensitise them to support female aspirants, said they should be encouraged to bring their best in contributing to national development and not compete with men or be seen as antagonistic to men.
In her remarks, the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, said Nigerians are looking up to the National Assembly to address the problem of women’s underrepresentation.
She noted that about 4 percent of women are elected to the National Assembly and only seven women serve in the 45-member federal cabinet, therefore, Nigeria needs to do better in the continent regarding women’s representation in governance.
