Reps aspirant Catherine Iduh backs Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill

A House of Representatives aspirant for the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Catherine Agada Joseph Iduh, has thrown her weight behind the proposed Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill, calling for stronger female representation in Nigeria’s political space.

Iduh made the call during a rally held in Benue State in support of the bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats for women.

She described the turnout at the rally as encouraging, noting that the campaign reflects a growing global movement aimed at expanding opportunities for women to actively participate in politics and leadership.

According to her, several countries around the world have adopted gender quotas to promote fairness, diversity and balanced representation in governance.

Iduh said when women are included in decision-making processes, issues affecting families, children and communities receive more attention.

“As an active member of the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV), Okpokwu Chapter, I am delighted to see the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Benue State showing strong support for this important bill,” she said.

She also commended men who joined women’s groups and civil society organisations at the rally to support the campaign for the passage of the bill.

The aspirant urged elected representatives at all levels to support the proposed legislation, stressing that women should not only be visible during election periods but also be actively involved in governance.

She said women are ready to contribute meaningfully to addressing key challenges confronting the state, including insecurity, youth unemployment, education, healthcare and the protection of girls from sexual violence.

Iduh further stressed the need to improve learning environments in schools and ensure adequate care for elderly women.

She maintained that greater participation of women in leadership would promote development and prosperity within communities.