Efforts to enact laws promoting the inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women, economically disadvantaged men, and persons with disabilities, gained significant momentum during a recent two-day workshop in Lagos.
The Co-Creation Workshop on the State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill convened lawmakers and civil society organizations, spearheaded by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), to deliberate on legislative strategies for fostering inclusivity.
Organized collaboratively by WARDC, the Bauchi State Government, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, and supported by international donors including the Government of Canada and UN Women, the event underscored the necessity of inclusive governance.
Abubakar Suleiman, former Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and current Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, addressed the pervasive issues of systemic discrimination and marginalization in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the proposed bill aims to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into governance frameworks, which are vital for cultivating a just and prosperous society.
Suleiman highlighted that women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized youth are disproportionately affected by exclusionary practices.
He asserted that the enactment of the State Equity Bill would herald a transformative era in Bauchi State governance, prioritizing justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
He called upon all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens, to collaborate in ensuring the bill's successful adoption and implementation.
Echoing these sentiments, Mojisola Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, advocated for legislative measures that enhance the political participation of women and marginalized groups.
In her welcome address, she stressed the importance of formulating a transformative State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill that addresses systemic inequalities and fosters fairness and justice.
Meranda emphasized the necessity of a co-created bill that reflects the voices of marginalized communities, integrating their perspectives into the legislative process.
She also underscored the importance of effective implementation, adequate funding, and continuous monitoring to actualize the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Citing the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Meranda pointed out that Nigeria ranks 125th out of 146 countries in gender parity, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment.
This statistic highlights the urgent need for legislative intervention and policy reform.
"This bill embodies the spirit of fairness, justice, and inclusivity, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, economic status, or physical ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
"This gathering represents a significant milestone in our collective journey toward fostering a more just, equitable, and inclusive governance structure across all states of the federation," Meranda stated.
She further noted that the Lagos State Government has made considerable progress in promoting inclusion and diversity through targeted policies and programs.
Initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) have provided vocational training and financial support to women, youth, and persons with disabilities, empowering them to actively participate in the economy.
Meranda urged participants to engage constructively in the discussions and to take concrete steps toward implementing actionable strategies, while also raising public awareness about the importance of inclusivity and equity.
Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, founder of WARDC, expressed that the event aimed to enhance knowledge sharing and adopt best practices for scaling up inclusive initiatives.
She emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between civil society groups and legislators on bills that contribute to societal development and growth.
The workshop also featured contributions from notable legislators, including Adeoye Aribasoye from Ekiti State, Abubakar Luggrewo from Gombe State, Haruna Dangyatin from Jigawa State, Moses Odunwa from Ebonyi State, Buba Chiroma-Mashio from Yobe State, and the Deputy Speaker of Kaduna State, Yusuf Dahiru.
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