Given global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting all genders.
Gatekeepers News reports that Akpabio pledged to enact legislation aimed at eliminating barriers to women’s progress in Nigeria.
The Senate President spoke during an event held at the Old Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. The event was themed, ‘Economic and Political Inclusion: Walk the Talk’.
The event was attended by Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jubrin; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister for Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, among others.
He also pledged to ensure 35 per cent affirmative action for women in National Assembly and governance processes, aligning with the National Gender Policy (NGP) and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Akkpabio reaffirmed lawmakers’ resolve to break barriers hindering women’s socio-economic advancement and gender equality in Nigeria.
He said, “We are discussing how women will have a strong presence not only in the National Assembly but also across the country. We will do all we can to promote gender equality, even if it means amending the 1999 Constitution.”
“Credible evidence has shown that women are excellent managers. Sometimes, they work harder than men. We must return to a time when women played key roles in all spheres of life, contributing to our collective progress and prosperity.”
Also speaking, Sulaiman-Ibrahim underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to women’s progress. She revealed that the President has increased budget of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs by 1,000 per cent.
She said, “Women in this country have made significant strides across various sectors. We must continue to work on ourselves and promote initiatives that will further advance women’s progress and gender equality.”
