From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Outgoing member of the House of Representatives Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has appealed to members-elect, to always champion the course of women in their daily deliberations.
Onyemerela, in her valedictory speech yesterday in Abuja, said she promoted women’s inclusion in the National Assembly, by sponsoring a bill to the effect.
According to her, it was the first time such a bill was presented before the National Assembly and got the support of her colleagues.
She added that it was a bold and timely move considering the socio-cultural obstacles women face in attempting to occupy leadership positions in society.
She said: “To promote women’s inclusion in the National Assembly, I sponsored a bill on Special Seats for Women in the Legislature, with the support of many of my colleagues — both male and female.
“We made history as it was the first time such an ambitious bill was presented before the National Assembly.
“I consider our attempt a bold but timely move considering the sociocultural obstacles women face in attempting to occupy leadership positions in our society.
“As lawmakers, we were faced with the challenge of the legislative process, which entailed navigating complex political landscapes, cultural beliefs, differing viewpoints, and the need for compromise.
“While we may not have achieved the desired outcome of passing this bill, it does not diminish the importance of the issue it sought to address — the issue of women’s political exclusion – neither did it belittle our efforts and the impact we made along the way.
“With no significant improvement in the number of women who won legislative seats after the 2023 elections, this issue remains critical for Nigeria both at home and internationally.
“I make bold to say that several countries are looking up to us to take the lead on this matter and not to lead from behind.
“I sincerely hope that the incoming 10th House puts this on the front burner.”