3rd from (R), Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, flanked by members of the advocacy group
From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Government has expressed strong support for efforts aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance.
The Government offered the support, when the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, received a delegation on an advocacy visit in Benin City, the State Capital.
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The strategic visit led by Nelson Otaboe, Programme Assistant at Advocates Foundation, brought together key stakeholders including Grace Obakina, Executive Director of Caring Heart Initiative, Mrs. Wonderful, Executive Director of MIND Initiative, alongside other team members.
At the heart of issues discussed, was the proposed Gender Composition Bill designed to strengthen women’s inclusion in governance; through a structured legal and institutional framework.
The delegation emphasized that the bill is timely, particularly in addressing the challenges of political incumbency and ensuring the fulfillment of the state government’s 35 per cent affirmative action commitment for women’s representation in the State Executive Council.
According to the team, women currently occupy about three positions out of over 30 cabinet roles in Edo State, approximately 10 per cent, highlighting a significant gap when compared to the 35 per cent benchmark.
They noted that the proposed legislation is not limited to Edo State but is part of a broader nationwide initiative aimed at promoting gender-balanced governance; further underscoring its relevance and credibility.
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Responding, Hon. Abdallah commended the initiative and expressed appreciation for the advocacy efforts, while describing the bill as a crucial step toward deepening inclusive governance in Edo State.
She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making processes, pledging her full support for the initiative at the executive level.
The Commissioner also encouraged sustained collaboration among stakeholders and offered to facilitate further engagement with the Office of the First Lady to advance the bill, assuring the delegation of her continued involvement in pushing for its realization.
The proposed bill draft being handed over to the Hon. Commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah
The high point of the visit was the formal presentation of the drafted proposed Gender Composition Bill to the Honourable Commissioner, marking a significant step toward its consideration and possible adoption.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by stakeholders to institutionalise gender balance and promote equitable representation in governance structures across Edo State.
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