Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for support for the Seat Reservation in Parliament Bill, which seeks to empower women to take their rightful place in the corridors of power.
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Hon. Kalu made the call on Thursday night while speaking at a dinner banquet organised in his honour by the Osasu Show Foundation (TOS Foundation), United Nations (UN) Women, and the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC).
The dinner, which also featured an award, was primarily aimed at encouraging and appreciating the Deputy Speaker for championing the cause of women through legislative interventions.
Hon. Kalu said, “In the spirit of the Beijing Declaration, we are here to reaffirm our commitment to not just acknowledging but actively transforming the systems that perpetuate inequality. This commitment is echoed in the Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349), which I proudly sponsor.
“This legislation seeks to alter the longstanding narrative of exclusion and underrepresentation that has marred our political landscape. By reserving seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that truly mirrors the rich diversity of our nation. Let me be clear: this is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity.
“The rationale behind the Seat Reservation for Women Bill is rooted in the understanding that a representative government must reflect the people it serves.
“Historically, women have been marginalised in our political process, their voices subdued and their potential untapped. This bill is a strategic intervention designed to correct that imbalance. It seeks to empower women to take their rightful place in the corridors of power, where decisions that shape our nation are made.
“The Bill challenges the status quo by asserting that the inclusion of women is not a favour—it is an imperative for achieving comprehensive and sustainable national development.”
Hon. Kalu further stated that the piece of legislation stands as a beacon of collective belief in the transformative power of women’s leadership, adding that when women participate fully in governance, societies flourish.
“Their perspectives, often shaped by lived experiences and an innate resilience, contribute to more equitable and holistic policymaking.
“This is why, as we celebrate tonight, we also look forward with unwavering hope to the day when our legislative bodies are a true reflection of our society—a society where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to lead and inspire,” he said.
Acknowledging various challenges, the Deputy Speaker, however, said that he would not relent in the pursuit of the noble cause.
“In embracing these ideals, we also acknowledge that our journey is far from over. The path toward gender equality is fraught with challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities.
“We must continue to dismantle the systemic barriers that impede progress, to foster environments where every individual can thrive, and to build institutions that are both inclusive and responsive to the needs of our people.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants, drawing inspiration from the Beijing Declaration, which has transformed the women’s rights agenda globally. It reminds us that legal protection and affirmative action—like the provisions in the Seat Reservation for Women Bill—are not mere tokens but essential instruments in the fight against discrimination.
“They are a testament to our collective refusal to accept the status quo and our determination to reimagine a future where justice prevails,” Hon. Kalu said.
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