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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu have stressed the need to empower women and advocated for the removal of barriers that hinder women’s political advancement in Nigeria. Both presiding officers made these known in their separate addresses at the International Legislative Dialogue on Women and the Constitution Amendment Process in Nigeria, which was organised by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution in Abuja on Monday. Speaker Abbas said it is disheartening that females are low in numbers at the National Assembly.
“Today represents a meaningful step forward in our collective commitment to inclusive governance and national progress.” He said: “Our goal is to ensure that Nigerian women, an essential part of our nation’s social and economic fabric, secure their rightful place within our governance framework. Empowering women is not only a moral and democratic imperative but also a strategic economic necessity.
” Abbas said: “Women bring unique perspectives influencing vital issues, from healthcare to economic policy, creating legislation that resonates with millions. McKinsey estimates that closing gender gaps could add $12 trillion to the global GDP by 2025, underscoring the immense untapped potential of women’s inclusion. “7Thus, increased representation of women is not a luxury but a necessity for sustainable national development and stability.
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