The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has backed the call for special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, gave the backing in his opening speech at the Council’s 2nd Policy Roundtable with the theme, 64 years of Independence, Inclusive Democracy and the Options of Special Seats for Women held in Abuja on Friday.
DAILY POST reports that the National Assembly is currently reviewing the Constitution and the Electoral Act with a view to amending them and ensuring full citizens’ participation in politics, democracy and governance.
The review is also to ensure that no voice is left unheard and no person is left behind in the onerous task of building a greater democratic nation.
“For sustainable democracy, citizens should participate in political processes and represent their interests, concerns and aspirations in decision-making,” the Council Chairman said.
“The question is, how far have Nigerians gone in fostering inclusive democracy after 64 years of independence and 25 years of unbroken democracy?”
He noted that the Council has been at the vanguard of advancing women’s political participation and representation and established a Directorate of Women Affairs among other gender-friendly policies in its national secretariat, Abuja.
“This Roundtable is in pursuit of greater women’s involvement in politics and government, particularly in the national and State House of Assemblies. It is obvious that democracy is dependent on active participation and representation of all citizens in democratic institutions and processes,” he added.
“When a section of society is under-represented in policy discussions, they feel marginalized. This is the case with women who constitute 50% of the nation’s population. Certainly, we cannot consolidate and advance our democracy if half of the population is excluded from the political sphere.
“It is obvious that the issue of gender equality and representation lies at the heart of the nation’s democracy. The imbalance in this regard is glaring. In the 7th, 8th and 9th assemblies, women accounted for 6.4%, 6.1%, and 2.7% of the Senate respectively; and 6.4%, 3.05%, and 4.7% of the House of Representatives respectively.
“This roundtable takes cognizance of this and hopes to make appropriate recommendations that will further enrich the nation’s democracy.
“Together, we will consolidate and deepen the nation’s democracy by ensuring inclusive politics and governance, successful elections, political stability and well-being of Nigerians.”