Franca Afegbua’s name might not resonate widely among today’s Nigerian political circles, yet her legacy remains monumental. In 1983, she shattered a significant glass ceiling by becoming the first Nigerian woman elected to the Senate. Although her tenure was cut short by a military coup months later, her achievement marked an unprecedented milestone for women in Nigerian politics.
That breakthrough occurred over four decades ago, during a period when women’s advancement beyond men in public roles was largely frowned upon. This raises pressing questions: If Franca could break through such barriers, why do Nigerian women still face severe underrepresentation in both state and national legislatures? Why hasn’t her pioneering success paved a smoother path for subsequent generations of women leaders?
It’s clear Nigerian women are far from timid. They have made remarkable strides in sectors like business and academia, rising to positions as industrial magnates, banking executives, and university professors. Yet, paradoxically, their presence in legislative bodies remains disproportionately low. This disparity exists in a country where women constitute nearly half the population-and should logically command a comparable share of political representation.
What this suggests is a systemic failure: women consistently vote, yet rarely see their own gender adequately represented in elected offices. Every election cycle, determined women step forward to contest political seats, only to be sidelined before the ballots are cast. This persistent exclusion highlights a structural injustice embedded within the political framework.
Fundamental reform is essential to dismantle these barriers and foster genuine female participation in governance. This is why the current deliberations in the National Assembly over the Gender Inclusion (Reserved Seats) Bill are so critical. The outcome of this debate could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape and its future trajectory.
The bill proposes legally reserving a specific number of legislative seats for women at both state and federal levels. Advocates emphasize that these reserved seats are not tokens or acts of charity; rather, they represent a necessary recalibration of a political system long skewed against women.
Decades of cultural constraints, political intimidation, and prohibitive campaign expenses have systematically hindered women’s access to political power. While a handful of trailblazers have managed to overcome these obstacles, the prevailing system remains largely exclusionary, preventing most women from following in their footsteps.
Countries such as Rwanda and India have recognized the efficacy of quota systems in addressing gender imbalances. Rwanda, for instance, boasts a parliament where women hold 61% of the seats, contributing to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. In Bangladesh, women with reserved parliamentary seats have driven reforms in education and microfinance. India recently enacted legislation mandating that one-third of parliamentary seats be reserved for women after years of advocacy.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads: it can either learn from these international examples or risk falling further behind. Increasing women’s representation-even to a modest minority-would catalyze the passage of laws that prioritize inclusive economic growth and social welfare.
Women legislators tend to champion policies that support small businesses, family-friendly infrastructure, and grassroots development-areas crucial for Nigeria’s economic expansion. Ignoring this potential is a missed opportunity the nation can ill afford.
Moreover, women’s advocacy often centers on vital community concerns such as education, healthcare, and security. The ongoing conflicts in regions like the Northeast, Southeast, and Niger Delta underscore the consequences of sidelining these priorities. When lawmakers grasp the everyday realities faced by families, they are better equipped to craft responsive policies-an area where Nigerian women excel.
Currently, Nigeria’s economy is brimming with untapped potential, awaiting perceptive policymakers to harness it. Women in parliament could revolutionize sectors like agriculture, where over 70% of food production is driven by female farmers who struggle to access land and financing. Female legislators could spearhead reforms to improve land rights and introduce technology-driven agricultural support for rural communities.
In healthcare, Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. Enhanced investment in health infrastructure, championed by women leaders, could improve access to essential services such as reproductive healthcare and clean water.
Education, particularly for girls, is another critical area. Educated girls contribute to higher family incomes and lower child mortality rates. Yet, many parts of Nigeria face setbacks in this regard. Women lawmakers, aware of these challenges, are more likely to prioritize funding for schools and safe learning environments.
Women also dominate Nigeria’s burgeoning small-business sector, especially in technology and innovation. They are uniquely positioned to craft policies that foster digital finance, startups, and broadband expansion. Additionally, female legislators can accelerate initiatives in clean energy and rural electrification, creating green jobs and improving power supply.
These compelling reasons underscore why the Gender Inclusion Bill must be enacted. It promises to reduce the gender gap in political representation and enable the development of programs tailored to women’s and families’ needs, ultimately unlocking broader economic growth.
Passing this legislation is not an act of benevolence but a strategic move toward smarter governance and economic management. History seldom offers second chances, and the current National Assembly holds a pivotal opportunity to shape a more inclusive Nigeria.
My call to lawmakers is to prioritize national progress over partisan politics. They possess the power to build a Nigeria where future generations of women will not have to relive the struggles of their predecessors. The evidence is clear, the world is watching, and the moment for a gender inclusion law is now.
Elezieanya serves as the South-South Coordinator for the Reserved Seat Bill Coalition.