Seat Reservation Bill: To Empower Women, Take Rightful Place in Corridors of Power – Kalu

By Tom Okpe

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Okezie Kalu has called for support for Seat Reservation In Parliament Bill, saying it will empower women to take their rightful place in the corridors of power.

Kalu made the submission while speaking at a dinner banquet, organized in his honour by the Osasu Show Foundation, TOS Foundation, United Nations, UN, Women, and Policy Innovation Center, PIC, in Abuja.

The dinner which also featured an award was essentially, to encourage and appreciate the Deputy Speaker for championing cause of women, through legislative interventions.

Kalu said: “In the spirit of 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 sponsored.

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“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
marginalized in our political process, their voices subdued and potentials, 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 favor, it is an imperative for achieving comprehensive and sustainable national development.”

Kalu further noted 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 lives 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 stated that he will not relent on 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,” he added.