The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged State Houses of Assembly to expedite the passage of laws addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across Nigeria.
He made this call during a gathering in Abuja on Monday, held to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV. The event was organized by UN Women in partnership with the House of Representatives.
Speaking to attendees, Abbas emphasized the significance of combating GBV, describing it as a crime against humanity. He highlighted the National Assembly’s longstanding role in advancing gender equity through transformative legislation, such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the Child Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons Act.
“The National Assembly remains steadfast in its resolve to combat violence against women and promote gender equity. Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. Addressing these imbalances is crucial not just for fairness but for unlocking the nation’s full potential,” Abbas stated.
He called on State Assemblies to support gender-focused constitutional amendments and legislation, noting their pivotal role in implementing reforms at the grassroots level. Abbas praised the progressive stance of State Speakers and urged them to foster dialogue and consensus-building to address any concerns.
Abbas also lauded affirmative action policies in other countries, such as Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, as examples for Nigeria to emulate, asserting that women’s inclusion in governance is essential for national progress.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women, echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, urging State Assemblies to ensure women receive the respect and opportunities they deserve.
The event concluded with a call for sustained collaboration between federal and state legislatures to create a safer and more inclusive society for all Nigerians.
