From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has decried the low participation of women in politics, with a call on the government to take steps to address the issue.
The House, while calling on the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, to create a department with adequate budgetary provisions, to groom and support women in politics, said there was need to encourage women inclusion in leadership.
This followed the adoption of a motion, by the member representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency, Blessing Amadi, at Tuesday’s plenary, on “need to provide training and support women in politics.”
There have been concerns about the low number women in the National Assembly, with women currently occupying 4 seats in the Senate and 16 seats in the Green chamber.
Amadi, in her motion, expressed concerns that there are a only a few women in political and leadership positions in the country. She noted that women currently hold less than 8% of seats in both the National and State Assemblies.
The lawmaker stressed the need for gender equality, stating that the vital role of women in home keeping homes, was the primary segment of the leadership moulding process.
Nevertheless, Amadi lamented that socio-cultural, as well as well religious factors has continued to impede women participation in politics.
According to her, “education is no longer the ability to read, write, and calculate, but the ability to have problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary to bring about any changes needed.
“Despite progress in recent years, women remain significantly underrepresented in political and leadership positions globally and Nigeria in particular.
“In Nigeria, women don’t have equal opportunity and support to serve as political leaders and elected representatives, which is vital to Nigeria’s democracy.”
The deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, while ruling on the motion, appreciated Amadi, for standing up for women’s inclusivity and championing the participation of more women in politics.