….as lawmakers consider domestication of Maputo protocol
As part of measures to improve women’s participation in politics and protect their rights, the New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) has called on the Ekiti State House of Assembly to domesticate the Maputo Protocol in the state.
The Maputo Protocol, officially known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, is a key legal instrument advocating for women’s rights, including political inclusion.
During a one-day fireside chat with members of the 7th Assembly on the domestication of the Maputo Protocol, NIGAWD Executive Director Mrs. Abimbola Aladejare-Salako noted that domesticating the protocol is necessary to ensure women’s political participation in Ekiti State.
According to her, active participation of women in politics will bring about improved economic growth, national and social development, considering their divine potentials. Mrs. Aladejare-Salako highlighted the need for a structured and sustained approach to increasing women’s involvement in governance.
She acknowledged Ekiti’s progress in gender inclusion but stressed the need for more legislative action to set a national benchmark. The NIGAWD Executive Director urged lawmakers to support policies and initiatives that empower women politically, reinforcing Ekiti’s leadership role in advancing gender equality and representation.
Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Right Hon. Stephen Aribasoye commended the organizers for the program and promised that the house would consider the request. Aribasoye called for the introduction of reserved seats for women at federal, state, and political party levels.
The Speaker commended the Ekiti State Government and the House of Assembly for their commitment to gender-inclusivity, citing the current numbers of women holding political positions in the state. He noted that the House currently has six female lawmakers and a female Deputy Speaker, with women also holding positions at the councillorship level.
He further assured that the house would support initiatives promoting women’s participation in politics and called for practical implementation to institutionalize women’s leadership in governance.
Guest Speaker and Legal Adviser to the Governor’s wife, Barr. Shelly Attane, emphasized the importance of advocacy, sensitization, persuasion, and lobbying to ensure full implementation of the 35% inclusion policy for women.
Barr. Attane outlined key strategies to drive women’s participation in politics, stressing the need for experienced female politicians to mentor young women. She also highlighted the importance of advocacy for more political appointments to strengthen women’s representation in governance.
In a goodwill message, Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The Deputy Chief Whip and other House of Assembly members expressed support during interviews, assuring that the House will back efforts to institutionalize women’s political participation.
However, they emphasized the need for political sensitization among women, stating that while lawmakers are committed to creating an enabling environment, women interested in politics must step forward and take active roles.
