Safepoint and Care Initiative, an NGO, has appealed to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to support the passage of the Special Seats Bill aimed at increasing women’s representation in the legislature.
Dr Amina Omeri, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, made the appeal on Tuesday when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Assembly, Dr Danladi Jatau, in Lafia.
She said the Special Seats Bill seeks to create dedicated seats for women at the National and States Assemblies to promote inclusive governance and enrich decision-making processes.
According to her, the proposed constitutional amendment is a temporary special measure designed to boost the number of women in elective legislative positions.
“Rt. Hon. Speaker, we are here to solicit your support for the Special Seats Bill. The bill is currently before the National Assembly, and we appeal to you to support it whenever it comes to your table for consideration,” she said.
Omeri added that the legislation would create opportunities for more women to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Responding, the Speaker commended the group for the visit and assured them of the Assembly’s support for the initiative.
“I am happy and encouraged by your visit. Women in leadership positions are performing well. In this House, we have Dr Hajarat Danyaro, the only female lawmaker, and she is doing exceptionally well. We are proud of her,” he said.
He assured the delegation that the House would give the bill the necessary backing if it comes before it for input.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the delegation was accompanied by consortium members from the 100 Women Lobby Group, Women in Politics Forum, Women in Media and Development Initiative, as well as development partners including Global Affairs Canada and ActionAid, among others.
