Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed his desire to see more women elected to the National Assembly as Senators and Representatives.
He said despite his desire he still feels that it is easier to get more women into appointive offices than into elective positions in the current political space.
The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs asserted that the number of women in the Red Chamber is not encouraging and must be deliberately improved upon moving forward.
Akpabio stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at an International Conference on women in governance organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
He said: “Despite my desire to see more women elected to the national assembly as senators and representatives, I still feel that it is easier to get more women into appointive offices than into elective positions in our current political space.
“This is because the dynamics are different. This is why we must collectively push for a bargain with the male folk to sometimes step aside for women to engage in the political process.
”For me, the number of women in the 10th Senate is not encouraging and must be deliberately improved upon moving forward.
“There is the need, also, to raise awareness and challenge gender stereotypes by conducting public awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes and promote the value of gender equality in governance.
“This is something this institute should do alongside fostering the development of supportive networks and alliances with women’s organisations, civil society groups and political activists to build solidarity and support for women in politics.”
Akpabio said there is need for collaborative efforts to change the narrative by encouraging more women to get involved in politics.
The Senate President added that men should sometimes consider stepping aside to enable women to take front-row seats in politics.
