Minister backs bill to boost women’s representation

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Thursday said women still lag behind in political representation in Nigeria.

She stated this during a virtual meeting organised by Women Radio, with the theme ‘Using Grassroots Influence to Power Females in Governance’.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that women had excelled in many sectors but were still underrepresented in politics.

“There’s a saying among African women that when they speak with one voice, mountains move.

“In our political slang, we say when women speak to women, women understand,” she said.

She expressed disappointment at the low number of women in elected positions across the country.

“This imbalance limits not only women’s contributions, but the nation’s full potential,” she explained.

She questioned how Nigeria could achieve genuine democracy with half of its population underrepresented.

“The answer lies in institutional transformation, not just aspiration,” she declared.

She went on to speak about a proposed special bill to enhance women’s inclusion in politics.

“We introduced a bill to create 182 additional legislative seats exclusively for women,” she said.

This includes 74 seats at the national level — 37 in the Senate and 37 in the House of Representatives.

“It means one woman senator and one House member from each state and the FCT,” she added.

The bill also seeks to reserve 108 seats in state assemblies for women.

It aims to amend Sections 48, 49, and 91 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“This proposal is not about charity — it’s about justice, equity, and nation-building,” she stated.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the bill as a moment of reckoning for Nigeria.

“It represents a national consensus born from years of advocacy and grassroots mobilisation.

“This is not a demand for favours. It is a constitutional correction and democratic necessity,” she said.

Currently, Nigerian women make up just 3.5 per cent of elected officials — one of the lowest globally.

She highlighted the key role grassroots women have always played in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“They vote, mobilise, and safeguard ballots—they build bridges of trust,” she noted.

She argued it was time for these women to hold positions of real authority.

“They should not only be power behind the throne but power on the throne,” she said.

She called for united action ahead of the next election cycle.

“Today marks two years of this administration. It’s time to chart a new course,” she said.

She stressed that women were not seeking power but meaningful inclusion for national prosperity.

“Inclusion is vital for prosperity and national security,” she said.

Speaking as a grassroots politician, she called for increased civic awareness and responsibility.

“Our grassroots politicians need more sensitisation on civic duties,” she added.

She acknowledged the work of seasoned politicians and activists supporting women’s causes.

She urged more women to enter politics and called for intentional mentoring.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Gill Lever, praised the event’s organisers.

She highlighted the harsh judgments women often face in politics.

“Why do we judge other women so harshly? Gender is rarely the only factor, but it affects women differently than men,” she said.

She questioned why women seem reluctant to support female political candidates.

It was reported that Women Radio 91.7 and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation conducted a survey.

The survey was carried out across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It found that 95 per cent of 3,743 grassroots women surveyed had Permanent Voter Cards.

However, 69 per cent voted for male candidates, while only 31 per cent voted for women.

Additionally, 24 per cent of the respondents were women living with disabilities.

The survey recommended that political parties should actively endorse female candidates.

It also urged women in government to engage constituents, present scorecards, and build trust.