#16DaysofActivism: Advocacy Group Seeks Special Seats for Women in Politics
By Missang AKPET
In line with the ongoing 16 days of activism to end gender based violence, A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Stand To End Rape (STER), has called on relevant stakeholders to lend their voices and advocate for the special seat bill and inclusion of women in politics.
The STER communication officer Elfrida Adeleye, while speaking at the 2 day sensitization town hall meeting said the Bill, is aimed at encouraging the participation of women in politics by reserving a percentage of seats strictly for women during elections.
She explained that the bill if signed into law will not only give women a leverage in the political circle but will put them at close parity with their male counterparts which will in turn close the gender imbalance currently experienced in the political circle.
“We need the right people to work with to drive this message home, if the media, government representatives, politicians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), political leaders, and faith based organizations join their voices and support this course, women will be occupying valuable seats as well as making valuable contributions in politics, just like in Law, Nursing, Medicine, and other fields” she said.
The member representing Yakurr 2 state constituency in the state house of assembly Hon. Mercy Akpama while speaking on women participation in politics said women most times are the cause of their backwardness in politics explaining that they prefer to seat behind and concur or negotiate.
“Women are known for concurring, you’ll see them at campaign grounds dancing, clapping, blowing whistles and negotiating for cubes of Maggi and salt but when it comes to the real deal they become weak and shy away. Even though I am the only female house of assembly member in Cross River House of Assembly, I don’t feel weak, I compete toe to toe with the male.
“Let us come out and show what we are made of, If it is to fight, talk, lobby, let’s do it, money or no money let us come out for it is better you fail than not come out at all” she opined.
The state commissioner for women affairs Mrs. Edema Irom while addressing participants maintained that amplifying women participation in politics is something that needs constant projection for relevant authorities to hear and take note.
According to her, “Cross River state has been gender sensitive politically but we still crave for more and that is why we have to keep amplifying the voices of women every time we gather, this way, we’ll achieve our goals. As women, we also have to be prepared for opportunities and not go and seat at home waiting for opportunities, come out and make your voices heard” she advised.
The special seat bill proposes the creation of one additional legislative seat to be contested by only women in each State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate and House of Representatives, making a total of 74 seats.
It also proposes three special seats for women in the 36 State Houses of Assembly totalling 108 women only seats.
The bill has so far passed its 2nd reading in the Federal House of Representatives and has been further transmitted to the Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
