In Nigeria, the issue of gender equality has gained increasing attention in recent years, with efforts being made to address disparities and empower women across various sectors of society. One significant avenue for advancing gender equality is through legislative measures proposed and debated in the National Assembly. As of the latest session of the National
In Nigeria, the issue of gender equality has gained increasing attention in recent years, with efforts being made to address disparities and empower women across various sectors of society. One significant avenue for advancing gender equality is through legislative measures proposed and debated in the National Assembly.
As of the latest session of the National Assembly, several gender-related bills have been introduced to address various aspects of gender inequality in Nigeria. These bills cover a wide range of issues, including women’s rights, empowerment, protection against gender-based violence, and increased representation of women in political and decision-making positions.
The Five Gender Bills introduced in the 9th National Assembly
Special Seats for Women
This sought to amend Sections 48, 49, 71, 77 & 117 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to create special seats for women in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly as a temporary special measure aimed at enhancing and encouraging women’s participation and representation in politics.
Expansion of the Scope of Citizenship by Registration
This sought to amend Section 26 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to allow the foreign male spouses of Nigerian women to acquire citizenship by registration.
Affirmative Action for Women in Political Party Administration
This sought to amend Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to provide for affirmative action in favour of women in political party administration by prescribing that at least thirty-five percent of party executives are women.
Indigeneship Rights
This sought to amend Sections 31 & 318 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to prescribe the criteria for qualification to become an indigene of a state in Nigeria. It prescribed that a woman married to an indigen of a state different from her state of origin for at least five years should be deemed to be an indigen of that state and therefore is entitled to all rights and privileges such as employment, appointment or election into any political or public office.
Affirmative Action
This sought to amend Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to ensure the appointment of not less than 10 percent of women as Ministers and Commissioners in the Federal and State Executive Council to guarantee the inclusion of women in governance.
Progress and Challenges
While there has been progress in the introduction and consideration of gender-related bills in the National Assembly, challenges remain in their passage and implementation. Resistance from conservative quarters, cultural barriers, and political dynamics often hinder the advancement of these bills. Additionally, the lack of prioritization and political will to address gender inequality poses significant obstacles to meaningful legislative reforms.
Why Were the Bills Not Passed by the Last National Assembly?
Several reasons were cited, such as lack of understanding of the Bills, religious/cultural and political bias, and insufficient advocacy among other reasons.
Public Support and Advocacy:
In Nigeria, the pursuit of gender equality has taken center stage in the National Assembly, where legislators and organizations are pushing for the enactment of transformative gender-related bills. These legislative efforts aim to address entrenched inequalities and empower women across all spheres of society. Here, we delve into the initiatives led by notable organizations and legislators advocating for change through gender bills.
Organizations Leading the Way
Prominent organizations such as the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), and Sustainable Gender Action Initiatives (SGAI).
These organizations conduct research, engage in advocacy, and mobilize support to push for the passage of bills that promote women’s rights and empowerment.
Legislators Driving Reform:
Several legislators in the National Assembly have emerged as champions of gender equality, spearheading the introduction and sponsorship of critical gender-related bills. Among them was former Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has sponsored bills aimed at addressing gender-based violence and promoting women’s participation in politics. Additionally, Senator Biodun Olujimi has championed the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, advocating for its passage to eliminate discrimination against women and girls.
Challenges and Progress:
Despite the commendable efforts of organizations and legislators, challenges persist in advancing gender-related bills in the National Assembly. Resistance from conservative quarters, political dynamics, and competing legislative priorities often impede progress. However, there have been notable achievements, including the introduction of gender bills for debate and consideration, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of gender equality in Nigeria.
Despite the challenges, there is growing public support for gender equality initiatives in Nigeria. Civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, and advocacy coalitions play a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing support, and pushing for the enactment of gender-related legislation. Their efforts are instrumental in keeping the issue of gender equality on the national agenda and holding policymakers accountable for progress.
An infographic by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) showed the results of a survey on the perception of the 9th National Assembly’s performance on women’s issues. It was conducted with respondents from the general public and civil society stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, in August 2022.
The publication showed that there was increasing awareness about the inequalities that exist in terms of the opportunities for men and women to win seats in the National Assembly. While a previous PLAC survey in 2017 showed that 72% of respondents thought that men and women have equal opportunities to be elected to the National Assembly, subsequent surveys have shown lower numbers of respondents expressing this opinion, with this 2022 survey showing that 31% of respondents still hold this view. Also, an astounding 78% of respondents in the general public agree that the National Assembly should pass legislation to promote women’s political participation.
Are There Prospects for Bills Passage in This Assembly?
According to Ms. Chiamaka Onygbula, an official of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives in Agenda 6, deals with Inclusion and Open Parliament. It outlined several interventions sought to be undertaken by the Assembly in bolstering women’s inclusion.
Ms. Rahila Dauda, legal officer of, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said there is a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) championed by ActionAid working collectively on all the gender bills adding that individually too, FIDA has submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly committee.
Mrs. Mutilat Fijabi, Executive Director, of Sustainable Gender Action Initiatives said the constitutional amendment process is on and the National Assembly relevant committee is receiving memos.
Sustainable Gender Action Initiatives has also forwarded its memo on relevant gender clauses including the gender and equal opportunities bill.
She said CSOs will only continue to lobby and advocate for more gender-inclusive amendments adding that: “the process has already started with the submission of memorandums and as CSOs, we are waiting to follow through on all the stages of amendments”.
Conclusion:
Gender-related bills in Nigeria’s National Assembly represent a critical step towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country. However, their successful passage and implementation required concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including lawmakers, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the general public. By working together, Nigeria can overcome the challenges and realize its commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of gender.
