The Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Edeko, has urged support for a bill proposing special seats for women in elective positions.
Edeko, representing PDP Esan North East II, made the call on Friday in Benin during an event by the State Ministry of Women’s Affairs to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IWD, held annually on March 8, celebrates women’s achievements globally.
Edeko appealed to the National and State Assemblies to endorse the bill, advocating increased female representation in governance.
She acknowledged the struggles women face, particularly in politics, stressing that special seats would boost women’s participation.
Edeko highlighted Nigeria’s low women representation of four per cent, compared to Rwanda’s over 60 per cent in governance.
“It is disheartening to see so few women in elective positions, constantly suppressed,” she said.
The deputy speaker urged political, religious, and traditional leaders to back the bill, noting it would not infringe on anyone’s rights.
She said the initiative would promote inclusive governance and strengthen democracy through diverse representation.
Edeko emphasised that women’s political empowerment would enhance social welfare, education, and economic development nationwide.
She encouraged political parties to support female aspirants, providing resources and opportunities to contest and win elections.
Political inclusion, she said, was not only about fairness but also vital for national progress and sustainable development.
In her goodwill message, Mrs Sandra Aguebor, believed to be Nigeria’s first female mechanic, urged women to acquire skills for empowerment and wealth creation.
Aguebor said she had trained and empowered over 4,000 women nationwide, with the job taking her to several countries.
She called on women leaders to help young girls acquire skills, discouraging prostitution and drug abuse.
