Kalu Pushes for Gender Equality in Politics, Announces 12 Public Hearings Across Nigeria
On Wednesday, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, revealed that the House is preparing to hold 12 Regional and National Public Hearings focused on the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution. The hearings, which will take place across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aim to deepen public engagement and promote understanding of the constitutional changes under consideration.
Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, made the announcement while meeting with a delegation from the Albright Stonebridge Group in Abuja. He emphasized the importance of these hearings in ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in the ongoing constitutional reform process.
Art for Governance: A New Initiative to Promote Gender Inclusion in Nigeria’s Politics
During the meeting, Kalu also introduced the upcoming exhibition “Art for Governance,” which will showcase artwork aimed at advocating for greater gender inclusion in leadership. The exhibition, scheduled for next month, is organized by the Special Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in collaboration with ElectHER and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund.
“Art for Governance” will explore gender inclusion through the lens of the Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024, which proposes reserving seats for women in both the National and State Houses of Assembly. Kalu hopes the exhibition will spark important conversations about women’s participation in Nigerian politics and galvanize support for gender-focused reforms.
Kalu Pushes for Gender Equality in Politics, Announces 12 Public Hearings Across Nigeria
In his address to the delegation, Kalu underscored the legislative commitment to improving gender representation in Nigeria’s political structures. He acknowledged that while there has been gradual progress, the representation of women in the country’s legislative bodies remains insufficient.
He referenced the low number of women in the National Assembly and assured the delegation that the House is actively working to address the issue through gender-focused bills, including the proposal to reserve seats for women. He also revealed that the upcoming public hearings would allow for a deeper exploration of cultural barriers hindering women’s political participation.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Discusses Gender Inclusion and Constitution Review with Albright Stonebridge Group
The delegation, led by Paul Ansah, expressed their interest in collaborating with Nigeria’s parliament, particularly on projects related to gender equality, health, and nutrition. Ansah praised the House’s efforts to promote women’s empowerment and gender inclusion and offered their expertise to support these initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Kalu commended the delegation for their work in fostering economic growth and advocating for social change. He reiterated his belief that improving women’s representation in governance is critical for the advancement of a more inclusive, balanced, and democratic Nigeria.
