Special seats bill in Nigeria: Balancing representation through constitutional reforms
Source: Punch
Global trends indicate the slow-paced progress in closing gender gaps across major dimensions of human development in different countries. Nigeria remains one of the poor performing countries with respect to closing its gender gaps, especially under political empowerment. In 2020, Nigeria ranked 145 out of the 153 and, in 2021, 149 out of the 153 countries surveyed under the political empowerment dimension (World Economic Forum-WEF; Gender Gap Report). For women’s representation in parliament, Nigeria ranks 184 out of the 187 countries assessed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2021. To put these rankings in context, if Nigeria was a student in a class of 153/155/187, Nigeria will be that student always amongst the last 10 in class. Nigeria is that “F student” who either needs extra lessons, substitute classes or special care to perform better. What loving parent wouldn’t do all within its power to help their child succeed in life regardless of the cost? The Special Seats Bill is that necessary decision like a “special class” that can help boost Nigeria’s status as one of the countries making efforts to improve women’s representation in elective office.
Click here to read the full article published by Punch on 28 Mars 2022.
Global trends indicate the slow-paced progress in closing gender gaps across major dimensions of human development in different countries. Nigeria remains one of the poor performing countries with respect to closing its gender gaps, especially under political empowerment. In 2020, Nigeria ranked 145 out of the 153 and, in 2021, 149 out of the 153 countries surveyed under the political empowerment dimension (World Economic Forum-WEF; Gender Gap Report). For women’s representation in parliament, Nigeria ranks 184 out of the 187 countries assessed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2021. To put these rankings in context, if Nigeria was a student in a class of 153/155/187, Nigeria will be that student always amongst the last 10 in class. Nigeria is that “F student” who either needs extra lessons, substitute classes or special care to perform better. What loving parent wouldn’t do all within its power to help their child succeed in life regardless of the cost? The Special Seats Bill is that necessary decision like a “special class” that can help boost Nigeria’s status as one of the countries making efforts to improve women’s representation in elective office.
Click here to read the full article published by Punch on 28 Mars 2022.