The Alheri YS Foundation has called for urgent legal and institutional reforms to address the underrepresentation of women in governance in Bauchi State.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Alheri Yusuf Sarauta, made the call during an advocacy visit to the Bauchi State House of Assembly under the ASPIRE Project, implemented with support from Plan International Nigeria and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Sarauta expressed concern that none of the 31 members of the 10th Bauchi State House of Assembly is a woman, despite the significant contributions of women as professionals, farmers, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
She urged lawmakers to sponsor and pass a Gender Equal Opportunities Bill that would provide legal backing for the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance.
According to her, the proposed framework would guarantee a minimum of 35 per cent substantive representation for qualified women in appointive positions, including boards and committees, while also promoting party inclusion, mentorship and safe participation in elective politics.
She acknowledged the appointment of four female commissioners and three female special advisers by the state government but argued that appointments alone could not provide a sustainable solution.
She said a comprehensive legal framework was necessary to protect and sustain women’s participation in governance beyond individual administrations.
Responding, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, assured the delegation that the proposal would receive the attention of the Assembly.
He said lawmakers would study the proposal and consider the possibility of prioritising the Bill for consideration and passage.
Source: New Telegraph
