Constitution Review: Group Canvasses Equitable Women Representation In Govt

By Chima Azubuike, Gombe

As the senate committee embarks on public hearing on Constitutional review across the country, a coalition of civil society organization under the aegis of Women Political Participation Technical Working Group (WPPTW), has canvassed equitable representation of women in government.

The group made their position known, during a media parley at the International Hotel, Gombe metropolis.

 Zariyatu Abubakar, who represented WPPTW, said all measure should be taken to ensure gender-neutral and sensitive language in the Constitution.

Abubakar said,  “Masculine languages are gender-biased and undermine women and girls’ political participation, which further hinders inclusive governance in Nigeria.

“The Constitution should ensure equitable women representation in government, through at least 35% women representation in appointive offices at the federal and state levels.

“It should also include gender as a benchmark for federal character. The Constitution has already created the federal character as an affirmative action mechanism that ensures the representation of marginalized groups in the country.”

While lamenting the level of representation,  she stressed the importance of additional special seats for women in the federal and state legislative houses when created.

“In senate, one seat for a woman from the 36 states and the federal capital, In the house of representatives: two seats for women from the 36 states and the federal capital, In the states’ house of assembly, one seat from each of the three senatorial districts in the state,” she added.