Nigeria’s proposed gender equality bill aims to address the stark underrepresentation of women in politics, where they currently occupy less than 5% of elective and appointive positions. The bill seeks to amend the constitution to allow foreign spouses of Nigerian women to obtain citizenship. It also seeks to mandate that at least 35% of party leadership roles and appointed positions at both the federal and state levels be filled by women. Advocacy groups like the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund support the bill, highlighting systemic barriers such as cultural stereotypes, financial constraints, and political violence that hinder women’s participation. Proponents believe that, if passed, the bill could potentially transform Nigeria’s political landscape toward greater inclusivity.
DW
