To build consensus and consolidate memoranda on the constitutional reservation of special seats for women in Nigeria’s legislative houses, FIDA Anambra State has organized State-Level Advocacy/ Town Hall Meeting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, with community leaders, the academia, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, media practitioners among others in attendance.
Welcoming participants at the one-day event, the Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, Eliana Martins, Esq., said the day’s meeting; made possible through the support of UN Women and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office under the “Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Representation in Leadership and Political Processes in Nigeria” project, demonstrates a collective desire to ensure that women are not only seen but heard, represented and given a seat at the table where critical decisions about the Nigerian nation are made.
Noting that the constitutional reform process currently ongoing presents a rare and strategic opportunity to institutionalize mechanisms for inclusion, equity and justice, the Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, Martins, represented by the Anambra FIDA Chairperson, Barrister Amara Muojeke, said the push for reserved seats for women is not a demand for privilege, but a demand for fairness and recognition of the unique contributions women bring to governance, peacebuilding and development.
Facilitator of the Programme and Manager of Administration and Human Resources, FIDA Nigeria, Barrister Ezinwa Obiajunwa, who described Anambra as a progressive state; given that women are given positions in governance and at the traditional level, called on the national assembly, state legislature, Civil Society Organizations and all Nigerians to champion a course for the delivery of a legislation that will reflect Nigeria’s diversity and potential.
Throwing their weights behind seat reservations for women, participants at the event, including the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinwe Achukwu, said society stands to benefit more when women are allowed to be at the table where key decisions are made.
Signing of signature to show support of the constitutional reservation of special seats for women formed the highpoint of the event.
