African Women Rally For Political Inclusion & Legislative Reform
By TINA TOLUTOPE
AFRICAN women leaders and advocates have intensified calls for political inclusion at the 9th Africa Women Conference, urging structural reforms to boost women’s representation across the continent.
In her keynote, Mrs. Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwauche, advocating for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349), emphasized that women should not only serve but lead. The bill proposes 182 constitutionally guaranteed seats for women in federal and state legislatures, at a cost of less than one percent of the National Assembly’s budget. She cited progress in countries like Rwanda and Ghana, where functional quota systems have raised representation to as high as 61 percent.
Panels at the conference highlighted strategies for inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and transparency in parliamentary voting. Mrs. Asiya Sani Sulaiman stressed that Africa’s demographic potential hinges on bridging skill and education gaps, while Fatima Talba noted that religion should not restrict women from political participation.
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu urged high-level political support, calling for equity and justice in governance. Advocacy strategies discussed included decentralized structures, local-language outreach, and coordinated efforts by civil society and influencers.
The conference concluded with calls for a Pan-African quota framework and bold alliances to transform advocacy into lasting legislation and institutions, ahead of a key vote on 9th December.
