By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Stakeholders from Sokoto South Senatorial District have reviewed and unanimously endorsed the Reserved Seat for Women bill memoranda which is to be presented to the Constitutional Reforms Committee during the forthcoming public hearing.
Giving their consent after a thorough review of the Bill memoranda during the Senatorial advocacy/town hall meeting held at Sifawa, Bodinga local government, stakeholders agreed that the nation can only get better with genuine inclusion of women in leadership positions across all levels.
The town hall meeting organized by the Sokoto State chapter of the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) with support funding from the United Kingdom International Development and United Nations Women.
Addressing stakeholders at the town hall meeting, the Project Lead on Advancing Women Participation In Politics (AWPP) and FIDA Nigeria Programme Officer, Mr Ifeanyi Eze said, the Reserved Bill will not only encourage women participation but also boost their confidence to showcase their leadership prowesses.
Speaking on, “Unravelling Women Political Participation Vis a Vis Voter Turnout In Nigeria”, Ifeanyi decried the low index, saying until the Reserved Seat Bill is passed changing the narrative will be difficult.
While highliting the prospects of the bill, Mr Ifeanyi said he was overwhelmed by the support of both men and women in Sokoto regarding AWPP project.
Ifeanyi who register his appreciation to all including traditional and religious leaders for coming bold to declare support for such a bill even in a state considered to be embedded with men dominated mentality, affirmed
“The best thing that has happened to this project, actually, is the willingness and support by our stakeholders, especially the traditional and religious leaders, market women and everybody for their determination to ensure that this bill is endorsed for onward presentation and  passage of the bill”.
Earlier in her welcome address, Sokoto FIDA Chapter chairman, Barrister Zainab Bello Aliyu maintained that, until inclusive governance is encouraged in appointment and elective positions, the hidden leadership potentials of women might not be fully appreciated.
Barrister Zainab who appealed to all and sundry to support the Reserved Seat for Women bill, reaffirmed that the time is ripe for such libration.
Expressing their voices on the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, stakeholders at the town hall meeting said they are happy that the issue is coming to fruition during their time.
