The UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria, Mrs Beatrice Eyong, on Saturday said that passage of “Special Seat for Women Bill” before the National Assembly and subsequent signing would accelerate sustainable development in the country.
Eyong made the assertion in her address at the South-West Zonal Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos.
Eyong commended the lawmakers and other stakeholders for prioritising inclusive governance, through the Special Seat for Women Bill, in the ongoing process to review the constitution.
Describing the bill as important, she said that passage of the bill would set Nigeria on the path of development and accelerated growth.
“If this particular bill is passed, it is going to actually accelerate sustainable development and transform the nation.
“The bill has received wide support from citizens across the federation and has been endorsed,” she said.
According to her, Nigeria has not fared well in terms of women representation in decision- making.
She acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Nigerian women, traditional, political and religious leaders and other stakeholders towards signing the bill.
“It is our prayer that the leadership of the House together with the honorable members will use this opportunity to consider this bill as Nigerians’ bill, not women’s bill and accelerate its passage.
“If it is passed, Nigeria will find its rightful position as the giant of Africa,” she added.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, underscored the need for law to have at least a woman in the three senatorial seats in each state.
Ogbara, representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, added that the House of Representatives should have more women representatives in each state in all the states , including the FCT.
“This is not too much to ask for women. We constitute more than half of the population of this country and we are the mothers, we nurture the children,” she said.
Also speaking, Veteran Nollywood actress, Mrs Joke Silva, canvased for more women in elective and appointive positions in the country, to build a better nation.
Silva called for strict adherence to the 35 per cent affirmative action for women representation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several other women groups and stakeholders voiced their support for the bill.
