FRIDAY March 7, 2025 |TheNewsDESK
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The Senate commemorated International Women’s Day on Thursday with a firm commitment to advancing legislation aimed at eliminating obstacles to women’s progress across the country.
The upper chamber also pledged to enforce 35% affirmative action for women in the National Assembly and governance processes, aligning with Nigeria’s National Gender Policy (NGP) and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made this commitment at a three-day programme held at the Old Senate Chamber of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day. The event, themed “Economic and Political Inclusion: Walk the Talk,” sought to rally collective action toward gender parity.
The gathering was attended by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jubrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Minister for Women Affairs Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The programme was facilitated by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Public Hearing and Events, Ms. Munis Abisola, and the Director, Administration & Protocol, Office of the Senate Leader, Ms. Tabitha I. Sallah.
Addressing the audience, Akpabio assured that lawmakers would work to eliminate barriers hindering women’s socio-economic advancement and gender equality.
“We are discussing how women will have a solid presence not only in the National Assembly but also in the country. We will do all we can to promote gender equality, even if it means amending or tinkering with the 1999 Constitution,” Akpabio stated.
He further underscored the contributions of women to national development, saying: “Credible evidence has shown that women are better managers the world over. Sometimes, they work harder than men. We must go back to ensuring women contribute to our collective progress and prosperity in all spheres of life.
“We must also decisively condemn all cases of sexual harassment that are unfounded. At the 10th National Assembly, we will promote legislation that ensures 35% affirmative action in the country.”
Akpabio recalled his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, highlighting policies that supported women’s advancement, which, he said, remain visible today.
Also speaking at the event, Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to women’s empowerment, revealing that his administration had increased the budget of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs by 1,000%.
“We have done so well as women in this country. Women are thriving across different sectors. We must continue to work together and promote initiatives that will entrench gender equality and further women’s progress,” she said.
In her welcome address, Sallah lauded the National Assembly for championing various pro-women legislations. She, however, urged lawmakers to expedite action on pending gender-related bills.
“It is a reminder of the urgent need to accelerate efforts on all pending gender parity issues. While we celebrate progress, we must acknowledge that much work remains to be done.
“The time to act is now. The time to ensure that every woman has access to opportunities, resources, and a voice in decision-making is now. The time to create a world where no woman is left behind is now.
“This year’s celebration is a tribute to the resilience, strength, and limitless potential of women. It also reminds us that our work is far from over until we implement the commitments of the Beijing Declaration, nearly 30 years after it was made,” she said.
