By Gbenga Akingbule
The Stand To End Rape Initiative (STER) a Non Government Organisation on Wednesday concluded a two – day meeting with media practitioners , Civil Society Organisations and relevant stakeholders to drive the agenda for passage of special seat bill for women at National Assembly .
Gatekeepers News reports that the bill is seeking to create additional 111 special seats for women at the Senate and Federal House of Representatives.
At the Town Hall Meeting with the theme – Amplifying Women’s Representation In Politics with special focus on the special seats bill held at the prestigious Amada Hotel in Maiduguri , the Borno State Capital, Women from the 36 states of the federation and and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja will have opportunity to contest into the 111 proposed special seats in 2027 if the bill sees the light of the day.
To actuality this proposal, the project officer for STER in Borno State, Ms Patience Salleh Isa said her organisation with the support of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany is already carrying out awareness with a view sensitising relevant stakeholders on the role (s) required of them.
Ms Patience revealed that bill when passed into law will allow for a good representation of women at the National Assembly ” that will make good laws that will improve and promote the well being of women and girls.
“Today we are here to speak about the importance of women participation in politics or governance in Nigeria. And also to advocate for the passage of the special seat bill.
“Passing the bill could help transform Nigeria’s political and social landscape,” Ms Patience said .
At the end of the meeting, participants commended STER for the knowledge gained and promised to create more awareness for the special seats bill in their communities.
Meanwhile , according the project officer, “Stand To End Rape (STER) is a youth led organization with the sole mission to end all forms of violence against women and girls in Nigeria making the country safer for all.
“So far, we have been able carry a couple of programs addressing the need of survivors, and promoting gender equality and representation.”
