Gender Inequality Persists in Nigeria, Says Lagos Speaker Meranda
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has reiterated the urgent need to address gender inequality in Nigeria, calling for legislative interventions that ensure fairness, justice, and social progress. Speaking at a two-day co-creation workshop on the State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill, organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Meranda stressed that gender disparity remains a pressing issue requiring immediate action.
Meranda cited the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, which ranks Nigeria 125th out of 146 countries in gender parity, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment. She underscored the necessity of legislative transformation to bridge this gap.
Call for Legislative Action
“The importance of a co-created bill cannot be overstated. We are not here to impose generic solutions but to craft a context-specific bill tailored to Nigeria’s realities,” Meranda stated, emphasizing that marginalized communities must have a voice in shaping policies that impact them.
She further urged lawmakers to ensure that the bill goes beyond rhetoric, calling for clear implementation mechanisms, enforcement strategies, and monitoring frameworks. “This bill must not remain a mere document but become a dynamic tool for change,” she declared.
A Framework for Inclusive Governance
Meranda highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive bill that addresses inclusivity and diversity, arguing that such legislation would:
Dismantle systemic inequalities, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources.
Promote gender equality, fostering a fairer society for women and girls.
Empower persons with disabilities, guaranteeing their full participation in social and economic life.
Bridge the economic divide through inclusive policies that support low-income individuals.
Foster social cohesion, promoting unity within Nigeria’s diverse society.
Align Nigeria with global development goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Beyond legislation, we must commit to effective implementation, adequate funding, and continuous monitoring to realize the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” she added.
Bauchi Speaker Advocates Collaboration
Echoing Meranda’s stance, Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman, stressed the necessity of collective responsibility in passing the bill into law. He called for the involvement of civil society organisations (CSOs), development partners, and citizens to ensure its effective adoption and execution.
“No single entity, especially the government, can solely carry the burden of enacting and enforcing the State Equity Bill. We all have a part to play,” Suleiman asserted. He urged fellow legislators to view the bill as a transformative instrument rather than a bureaucratic measure, pushing for swift acceptance and execution.
Suleiman also called on civil society organisations to intensify advocacy efforts and policy engagements, ensuring that the bill gains traction among the general public. “Your participation in policy-making, research, and grassroots activism is crucial,” he said.
Addressing development partners, he emphasized the importance of leveraging their expertise in embedding global best practices into Nigeria’s equity and inclusion framework. To Nigerian citizens, he made an impassioned plea: “The bill is for you. Engage, offer feedback, and actively contribute to building a society where everyone has a fair shot at success.”
Towards a More Equitable Future
As discussions around the State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill continue, stakeholders emphasize the need for concrete action rather than symbolic commitments. The passage of this bill, according to Meranda and Suleiman, could herald a new era of governance—thedone that prioritizes justice, fairness, and inclusion, ultimately reshaping Nigeria’s socio-political landscape for the better.
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Gender Inequality Persists in Nigeria, Says Lagos Speaker Meranda