Paga Backs Reserved Seats for Women Bill

By Abubakar Rabilu

The UN Women Focal Person to the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Fatima Muhammad Paga, has called on members of the National Assembly to support and pass the Special Reserved Seats for Women Bill, describing it as a vital step towards strengthening women s participation in Nigeria s political process.

Paga made the appeal as the Senate considered the proposed legislation aimed at creating special reserved seats for women in the country s legislative institutions.

According to her, the bill is not merely about increasing the number of women in elective positions but about promoting inclusive governance and ensuring that women s voices are adequately represented in decision-making.

She noted that although women play significant roles in national development, their representation in politics and leadership remains disproportionately low.

"The passage of this bill will encourage more women to actively participate in politics and contribute to nation-building. It will provide a platform for women to influence policies and decisions that affect the lives of Nigerians," she said.

Paga described the proposed legislation as a historic opportunity to address the barriers that have limited women s political advancement over the years.

She urged lawmakers to support the bill in the interest of fairness, democracy and national development, stressing that societies thrive when leadership reflects the diversity of their people.

She also called on political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to champion initiatives that promote gender inclusion and create opportunities for women to aspire to leadership positions.

Paga expressed optimism that the passage of the Special Reserved Seats for Women Bill would mark a significant milestone in Nigeria s democratic journey and pave the way for a more inclusive and representative system of governance.