The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Nigeria’s umbrella body for all registered political parties, held a roundtable to explore special seats for women in parliament. Organized in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the event took place in Abuja under the theme, “64 Years of Independence, Inclusive Democracy and the Options of Special Seats for Women.” The dialogue focused on strategies to enhance women’s political representation in state and national legislatures.
Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, IPAC’s national chairman, highlighted the council’s commitment to inclusivity. He noted that Nigeria’s National Assembly is currently reviewing the Constitution and Electoral Act to foster broader citizen participation, ensuring a political process where every voice counts.
Inclusion as a Pillar for Democracy
Dantalle stressed that IPAC pushes for special seats as part of broader efforts to promote gender balance in governance. He emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must reflect the interests of all citizens, especially women, who make up half of the population but remain underrepresented in legislative bodies. The chairman called for legislative amendments to secure better participation for women, arguing that without such steps, democracy in Nigeria remains incomplete.
He questioned whether Nigeria’s 64 years of independence and 25 years of continuous democracy have been successful in building a truly inclusive system. “A nation where half of its population is marginalized,” he remarked, “cannot fully consolidate its democratic ideals.”
The Role of Stakeholders and Policy Reforms
The roundtable brought together political stakeholders to evaluate how special seats could advance women’s involvement in decision-making. Dantalle highlighted IPAC’s efforts to promote gender representation through the establishment of a Directorate of Women Affairs at its Abuja secretariat. He also cited IPAC’s participation in a high-level advocacy dialogue in Calabar, facilitated by the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), to discuss a charter of demands for women in governance.
Participants explored how constitutional amendments could facilitate greater inclusion and considered the impact of political tensions on participatory democracy. Stakeholders emphasized that women’s involvement is essential to fostering peace and progress within democratic institutions.
A Call for Greater Representation and Collaboration
The council emphasized that special seats for women in parliament would not only boost female participation but also enhance governance by reflecting the full spectrum of citizens’ voices. The dialogue underscored that when large portions of society are excluded from policy-making, public trust declines, weakening the foundation of democracy.
Representatives from IPAC reaffirmed the council’s long-standing commitment to advancing women’s representation, urging political parties to back reforms that guarantee space for women in state and federal legislatures. The conversation focused on building partnerships between policymakers, advocacy groups, and political parties to drive impactful changes.
Conclusion
IPAC’s commitment to securing special seats for women in parliament represents a significant step towards achieving gender-balanced governance in Nigeria. The dialogue reflects the need for sustained efforts to empower women in politics. To explore more resources on gender equity, legislative reforms, and advocacy strategies, visit genderpedia.ng/shop for insightful documents and tools.
