Reps to convene dialogue on increasing women’s political participation

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says the constitution review committee has concluded arrangements to hold an international legislative dialogue for women.

A statement issued on Sunday by Udora Orizu, Kalu’s special assistant on press affairs, said the dialogue is aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics.

Kalu was quoted as saying the committees in both chambers are working to amend the constitution in this respect by December 2025.

“This is a sacrifice for nation-building,” Kalu said at a retreat for the consultants and secretariat of the committee in Abuja.

“History will remember you, you will be remembered as those who crafted the new constitution. You’re writing your name in gold. I’m happy to say that with the way we are going, our objective of achieving the first set of alterations by December 2025 is feasible.

“I’m happy to inform you as well that the senate has keyed into our timeline in this regard. So it’s achievable.”

Kalu said other activities in the work plan include national public hearings, follow-up retreats, joint retreats with senate, engagement with state houses of assembly, and the governors’ forum.

“I wish to emphasise that we should look at ways to increase the political participation of women. It’s very important,” the deputy speaker said.

“We have to find a way to make it easier for us to harvest their wealth of opinion on national policies and issues.”

The international legislative dialogue for women will be held on October 28 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Kalu said the committee is already reaching out to women who have made major impacts across the globe to contribute to the discourse.