Women not represented in 15 state houses of assembly, says Reps Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has revealed that no fewer than 15 state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria lack female lawmakers.

However, Kalu advocated for the passage of the Seat Reservation for Women Bill, stating that special seats for women in parliament are key to unlocking national prosperity and justice.

He made these remarks during a three-day workshop on the public presentation of the National Women Leaders Forum’s operational guidelines and the role of political parties in the passage of seat reservation for women bills, held in Abuja.

Kalu highlighted that, in addition to 15 states having no female lawmakers, women constitute only 3.6% of the Senate, with just four female senators, and 4.7% (16 women) of the House of Representatives.

According to him, this underrepresentation is not merely a statistical anomaly but also a significant barrier to national progress.

The bill on seat reservation for women, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, seeks to allocate seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that accurately reflects the nation’s diversity.

Kalu, however, clarified that this measure is temporary, set to last for four terms, and is modelled on successful initiatives in countries such as Rwanda and Senegal, where women’s representation has risen to over 40%.

L-R: Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairman, Senate on Women Affairs; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and the chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle during the beginning of a 3-Day workshop on public presentation of the national women leaders forum’s operational guidelines and the roles of political parties in the passage of seat reservation for women bills (HB 1349) in Abuja on Monday.
Photo Credit: Deputy Speaker’s Media Office

He stated: “Democracy thrives not merely through elections but through inclusion. When half of our population remains underrepresented in the halls of power, our democracy is not just weakened—it is incomplete.

“Today, 15 states in Nigeria have no elected female lawmakers in their assemblies. At the national level, women constitute a mere 3.6% of the Senate and 4.7% of the House of Representatives. These figures are not just statistics; they reflect a fundamental flaw in our democratic system and a barrier to national progress.

“The Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349), which I am proud to sponsor, seeks to change this narrative. By reserving seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that mirrors the diversity of our nation. This is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity.

“As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I am leading efforts to ensure our foundational law reflects 21st-century realities. HB1349 proposes a structured temporary special measure—reserved seats for women, to be reviewed after 16 years—to accelerate gender parity.

“This is not a permanent quota but a catalytic intervention, modelled on nations like Rwanda and Senegal, where similar measures have increased women’s representation to over 40%.

“Evidence indicates that nations with balanced gender representation achieve higher GDP growth, better healthcare outcomes, and more innovative policymaking. For Nigeria, closing the gender gap could increase our GDP by 9% by the end of 2025. When women lead, communities thrive.

“Democracy suffers in the absence of diverse perspectives. As I have always asserted, ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’ Reserved seats ensure that women’s voices shape laws on education, healthcare, and security—issues that disproportionately affect them.”

Kalu also urged various women’s groups to intensify their advocacy efforts, mobilise support from political parties, and engage state assemblies, traditional leaders, and grassroots networks.

He encouraged Nigerians to provide their input and support the passage of HB1349, stressing that this is not merely a ‘women’s issue’ but a national issue requiring collective action.

“While the National Assembly is committed to passing HB1349, we cannot do this alone. Mobilise your 19 political parties to champion this bill at all levels. Engage state assemblies, traditional leaders, and grassroots networks. Public pressure must match political will.

“Use your operational guidelines to launch awareness campaigns that dispel myths about reserved seats. Highlight global success stories and Nigeria’s missed opportunities.

“As I unveil the NWLF’s operational guidelines today, I am reminded that this is not just a document—it is a blueprint for change. To the women here: Your resolve has brought us this far.

“To the men: This is not solely a ‘women’s issue’; it is Nigeria’s issue. Let us elevate our vision for Nigeria. Let us pass HB1349 not just for women, but for a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation,” Kalu said.

By Tony Akowe