By Taiwo Niyi
A town hall meeting aimed at addressing women’s underrepresentation in Nigerian politics was held in Ilorin on Wednesday.
The event, organized by the Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative in collaboration with the OA Foundation for Good Governance and National Development, focused on the proposed Extra Seat Bill, a legislative initiative to increase women’s representation in political offices across the country.
Held at Ephoenix Hotel, the meeting brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector to discuss strategies for advancing gender inclusivity in governance.
Olusegun Adeyemi, CEO of the OA Foundation, described the Extra Seat Bill as a crucial step towards dismantling barriers that limit women’s political participation.
“The Extra Seat Bill is not just a call for inclusivity; it is a demand for fairness and a recognition of the immense contributions women can make to governance,” Adeyemi said.
Representatives from STER, including Edith Isiek, Udoh Sylvia, and Dr. Babajide Oyebiyi, presented findings from a baseline study and called on participants to sign a petition supporting the bill.
They emphasized the importance of collective action in boosting women’s political participation.
Chief Mrs. Abosede Buraimoh, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Development in Kwara State, delivered the keynote address, commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his dedication to promoting gender equity.
“The achievements of this administration in advancing gender equity serve as a model for others. We must continue to create inclusive political systems that provide equal opportunities for women to excel,” Buraimoh said.
Representatives from the ministries of Justice, Women Affairs, and Communications expressed their commitment to advocating for policies and legal reforms that empower women in politics.
Civil society leaders from organizations such as GLOHWOC and CCEPE provided additional perspectives on the challenges women face in politics, reinforcing the need to pass the Extra Seat Bill.
Experts at the event shared research findings highlighting the benefits of gender-balanced leadership for governance and national development.
The meeting concluded with a unified call to action, urging stakeholders to push for the bill’s passage.
The STER Initiative and OA Foundation pledged continued collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other partners to actualize gender equity in Nigerian politics.
Participants agreed that achieving gender parity is vital for Nigeria’s democratic progress and national development.