INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR RURAL WOMEN 2025

Guess where I spent my time on International Day for Rural Women, 15th October 2005...I was with the Minister for Livestock Development - Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security - Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and Mandate Secretary Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS-FCTA) - Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary Agriculture & Rural Development FCTA - Hon. Ango Abdullahi Suleiman and SSA to the President on Food Security - Mrs. Ogundipe at a semi-rural setting in Abuja. The theme for this year's celebration is 'Celebrating our rural women, nourishing our nation'. The hardworking women were celebrated at the Women's Demonstration Farm (WDF), Kuje, Abuja. The children of Government Secondary School (GSS), Kuje, located almost opposite the Demonstration Farm were also beneficiaries of the Ministers' largesse...

Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the Women's Demonstration Farm (MujeKuje Project), Prison Road, Kuje. On International Day for Rural Women, the following projects were highlighted: 1st Lady's Every Home A Garden (EHAG); Young Farmers' Club (YFC); etc.

Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi talked about the 'Urban Agriculture Programme' (UAP) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security while noting that the women's MujeKuje project fits into it. There's also the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Technology Programme (RATAP). The YFC is in many Government Colleges in Nigeria. This programme catches them young for the agricultural value chain. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasises the fact that no one should go to bed hungry. Food must always be available, accessible and affordable. We encourage food production at all levels. He then admonished all men at the venue to stand up and clap for the women for all they do in the agriculture sector. Whatever you give to women, they'll double it...

Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha was at both the Demonstration Farm and GSS Kuje. It's not enough to plant vegetables, etc. You also need livestock (cattle, goats, etc.) for you to have a balanced diet. What the women are doing can also be called 'Family Farming'. Farming today is not about the size of the land but also about the effective and efficient use of technology. I shall provide both the Demonstration Farm and GSS Kuje quality grass for planting. The grass can be used for feeding livestock and can also be sold for profit. Apart from what the Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security is distributing today, expect grass and livestck from the Ministry of Livestock Development.

L-R: Hon. Idi Muktar Maiha (Minister of Livestock Development in white agbada); Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security in dark green short sleeve shirt & face cap) & Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi (MS-WAS) @ GSS Kuje farm...

Mrs. Ogundipe the First Lady is passionate about agriculture. In fact, with the abundance of natural resources in our clime, we should feed ourselves and citizens in neighbouring countries.

It was indeed a great outing for the women and children with two prominent Ministers and two vibrant Mandate Secretaries of FCTA engaging with them one-on-one. The Minister of Agriculture distibuted some farm implements to the women and children while promising that more would follow. The Minister of Livestock Development would also send farm implements, livestock and good quality grass. The Mandate Secretary, WAS-FCTA, who resurcitated the Women's Demonstration Farm was also on hand to support in the Company of her Agriculture & Rural Development (ARDS) counterpart.

We shal continue to monitor the progress of the Women's Demonstration Farm & GSS Kuje. When all the promises of the Ministers arefulfilled, the sky would not be the limit for the recipients...

L-R: Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ Women's Demonstration Farm (WDF), Kuje on International Day of Rural Women

Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa with the Women's Demonstration Farm, Kuje (a.k.a. MujeKuje) in the background

 

NIGERIA's NDC GENDER INTEGRATION TOOLKIT & STRATEGY

 On Monday 6th October 2025, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in collaboration with UN Women launched Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Gender Integration Toolkit & Strategy at UN House, Abuja. I was a major stakeholder at the event, which was follwed by two weeks of intensive training for technocrats in the public and private sectors in each of the thematic areas. I was particularly interested in the Agriculture, Water & Cross-cutting sectors. The 8 Sectoral Toolkits were launched simultaneously viz;

1) Agriculture, Forestry & Other Land Use (AFOLU)

2) Energy & Power

3) Water

4) Waste

5) Transport

6) Industry (IPPU)

7) Oil & Gas

8) Cross-sectoral MRV (& Climate Finance

L-R: Lorenzo Rovelli (UN Women Regional Climate Specialist - based in Dakar, Senegal & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Day 2 of the programme

In her opening remarks, the UN Women Resident Representative for Nigeria & ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong's speech: 'Framing Nigeria's NDC 3.0 & role of gender integration' acknoeledged the fact that the launch of the Toolkit captures our collective response to making climate response inclusive. 80% of those displaced by climate change (CC) are women. Climate-related disruptions are noticeable in agriculture among other sectors. Women are often excluded from climate-relevant decision-making. They need to be included for gender-sensitive climate response. UN Women has worked assiduously on climate matters. We are alligning CC efforts with national priorities. The UN Women Technical Working Group shall continue to partner with NCCC. NDC 3.0 has sector-specific recommendations while emphasising the inclusion of women. These Toolkits offer Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs) tools for action. I implore you to integrate them into your strategies and programmes. After this formal launch, there'll be intensive training on all the 8 identified sectors over the next 2 weeks. Climate action is strogest when it's inclusive. The time to act is now. With just 5 years to 2030, every decision we make matters...

L-R: Ms. Beatrice Eyong (UN Women Country Representative for Nigeria & ECOWAS & Dr. Dayo OLuyemi-Kusa on the 1st day of the Programme...

Barr. (Mrs) Tenioye Majekodunmi (DG NCCC) commended the work of the Consultant to the project, Ms. Ugochukwu Dorothy Ukemezia. All the aspirations of Nigerian women for inclusion are eloquently expressed in NDC 3.0. Women and men experience climate impact differently. Women bear the burden of food insecurity. Gender equity and indeed equality, is not just a social imperative, it's a necessity for the fair mitigation of CC impact. To be sure, the Toolkit encompasses low emission development strategy, budgeting & reporting, tracking of results through the MRV (Measurement, Reporting & Verification) tool, etc. The Toolkit is about ensuring that no gender decision is made without considering climate impact. It is a living guide for accountability. When gender equity guides climate action, access is assured.

Representative of the Minister of Women Affairs - Prince Xavier Eyamba (STA to the Minister on CC) explored the nexus betweem social inequality and CC. CC is not gender neutral. Gender equity should be at the heart of our response to the climate crisis and this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The Toolkit contains practical and actionable guidelines for MDAs. Gender equity is not just a moral imperative, it's a strategic advantage...

Representative of the Minister of Budget & Economic Planning - Mrs. Grace Ukpabi (Director, Sustainable Development) emphasised the fact that information and a data are needed for effective planning. Relevant information and data can be retrieved from:

-Unpaid Care Work: Validation & Time Use Survey

-Toolkit & Strategy for NDC

-Gender Profile by Federal Ministry of Women Affairs

-National Gender Report

If we had NDC 3.0 as at the time of writing the above reports, gender would have been better mainstreamed into them. With NDC 3.0, I promise that the National Development Plan: 2026 - 2030 will be positively different. Gender will be adequately mainstreamed...

Ms. Ugochukwu Dorothy Ukemezia (National Consultant for UN Women on Gender Mainstreaming for NDC 3.0 & LT-LEDS). We need to understand the architecture of the 8 Sectoral Toolkits, MRV (Measurement, Reporting & Verification) and Climate Finance.What we are launcing represents the integration of gender into planning, monitoring and evaluation. Gender analysis should be across all sectors. Nigeria's enhanced climate commitment (Paris) is based on sectoral analysis. Why's gender so central to Nigeria's MRV. We note that the President just appointed the first woman as DG NCCC. We should remember that there's feminisation of poverty. Gender integration is not optional, but essential for climate solutions. We should translate policy vision into sector-specific solutions. Gender should be mainstreamed across all sectors.

The ETF (Enhnaced Transparency Framework) enables Parties submit the mandatory information and data in the agreed format, which would then allow for comprehensive analysis, review and collation at the designated collation point. Susequently, we shal undergo sectoral diagnostics during the training sessions with me. You shall be exposed to budget-tagging tools. The partnership playbook  aims at correcting gaps in gender finance. We all need to align with the net zero emission target of 2060. We need to be able to classify gender expenditure via the partnership playbook for all sectors - CSOs, private sector, women's networks, etc. There should be inclusive procurement, investment in women-led enterprises, targeted funding for women, assistance to MDAs for Climate Equity, inclusive governance, green innovation, entrepreneurship, capacity building for gender focal persons. We should keep in view  UN Women's 'Global Economic Recovery Strategy.

Then came the launch of NDC Gender Integration Toolkit 3.0

Lorenzo Rovelli (UN Women's Regional Specialist on CC) delivered his paper: "Financing gender equity in the green transition in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Toolkit. Here, he explored the nexus with gender in the key sectors between at the regional and national frameworks. He noted that since the national determined contributions (NDCs) are more specific than the regional frameworks which describe in more general terms. 

For two weeks the intensive training continued at UN House, Abuja. If all participants use the Toolkit effectively as directed by the 'manufacturers' - UN Women and NCCC, then the time, money, manpower, etc. entailed in its production would not be in vain. Bravo to NCCC and UN Women Nigeria for this bold initiative...   

PUBLIC HEARING OF THE RSB (HB 1349) - RESERVED SEATS BILL

Monday, 22nd September 2025 was indeed a significant day in the lives of Nigerian women. It was the day the House of Representatives set aside for the National Public Hearing on Constitution Alteration Bills, including the Reserved Seats Bill - HB 1349. The frenzy that preceded the hearing was infectious - many committees were set up to manage various aspects of the campaign for the passage of HB 1349. (See my related blog post - dayokusa.blogspot.com/2025/08/nigeria-reserved-seats-bill-hb-1349.html) I was there live to express solidarity for the Bill.

The atmosphere was colourful with a peaceful procession from the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBCWD) to Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Hundreds of women came out for the procession turned rally. It is important to emphasise the fact that Nigerian women were guided by ethics and decorum throughout the event(s). During the procession wheelbarrows containing Memodanda in support of HB 1349 were pushed by prominent Nigerian women! Other women placed similar documents on their heads! Some were beating little drums, some had tamborines, while others were singing and dancing happily...The public hearing was held in spite of the fact that the National Assembly (NASS) is on recess! 

There were 88 Bills (apart from those for the creation of new states listed in the 'Summarised Compendium of Bills before the House Committee on Constitution Review for Input at National Public Hearing'. But it appeared HB 1349 was the most important Bill on the table because of the ovewhelming presence of Nigerian women from within and outside Nigeria. Lest I forget that Police Band did not disappoint with their state of the art music 'oozing' in the background inside Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, venue of the Public Hearing...

What exactly does HB 1349 entail? HB 1349 is No. 41 on the list of 88 Bills in the Summarised Compedium of Bills before the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review. The Bill proposes to amend Sections 48, 49, 71, 77, 91 and 117 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), reserving seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. This would provide for 37 additional women-only seats in the Senate (1 per state + FCT), 37 additional women-only seats in the House of Representatives (1 per state + FCT) as well as 108 women-only seats (3 per state) in State Houses of Assembly. This would create 182 women-only constituencies in the legislature at national and sub-national levels, exclusively contestable by women

Why this Bill? The showing of women in Parliament at the national level, NASS, is a mere 4% in Senate! This is unacceptable in a country where women constitute about half the population. Nigeria is performing very poorly as regards inclusion of the female gender in governance. HB 1349 when ascented to, is expected to be in operation for 16 years, by which time, hopefully, more women would have been voted into Parliament at both the national and sub-national levels. We should note here that HB 1349 should be considered alongside the following:

1) HB 1931: A Bill for an Act to further alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) to provide for Special Seats for Physically Challeged Persons in Nigeria's Federal, State, and local Government Legislative Houses & for Related Matters.

2) HB 1588: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) to promote inclusion & Participation of Women In Governance for Diversity, Good Governance & Related Matters.

L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Dr. Abiodun Essiet (SSA to the President on the North-Central Zone) @ Transcorp Hilton Hotel, venue of the Public Hearing

Although there were many Bills listed, the support for the RSB was overwhelming, almost intimidationg. As mentioned earlier, hundreds of women were there to express their support in various ways: Prominent women pushed wheelbarrows which contained numerous copies of the RSB - HB 1349 from MBNCWD to Transcorp Hilton Hotel! Trust the women: The peaceful march was turned into a flamboyant road show! There were cardboards with inscriptions like: I support the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, Women should be at the table, Pass HB 1349 Now, Crucial legislation delayed is justice denied, etc. This level of support for any Bill is unprecedented - Only the 'Not too young to run' Bill comes close...

Some of those present were:

*Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Represented by Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi) - Senate President

*Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas - Speaker, House of Representatives (HoR)

*Hon. Dr. Bejamin Okezie Kalu - Deputy Speaker HoR & Chairman, Committee on Constitution Review

*Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara - Chairman HoR Committee on Women Affairs & Social Development

*Senator George Akume - Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) & Representative of the President

*Sen. Ita Enang - Politician/Lawyer

*Richard Montgomery (Represented) - British High Commissioner to Nigeria

*EU Resident Representative

*Mohamed Malick Fall - UNDP Resident Representative

*Ms. Beatrice Eyong - UN Women Country Representative

*Oba Abimbola Owoade - Alafin of Oyo  (Led his team to present the request for the creation of 'New Oyo State')

*Igwe Alfred Achebe - Obi of Onitsha

*Justice Sidi Mohammad Bage - Emir of Lafia

*Prof. James Ayatse - Tor Tiv

*Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar - Etsu Nupe/Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers

*Representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Security Adviser (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), 

*Clement Nwankwo - CEO PLAC (Technical Expert & Lead Consultant on the Review of the Constitution. He presented highlights of the Bills for Constituion Amendment)

*Frank Nweke Jr - Former Minister (Presented request for Diaspora Voting & Independent Candidature)

The following spoke in support of HB 1349 & related Bills:

*Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa - Politician/a.k.a. 'Mama Bakasi'

*Iyom Barr. Josephine Anenih - Fmr. Minister of Women Affairs

*Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN) - Life Member Body of Benchers, Activist

*Mrs. Joke Silva - Veteran Actress

*Ministry of Women Affairs (Represented)  

*Mrs. Asabe Vilita - DG MBCWD

*Mary Ikoku - Politician

*Irene Awuna- President, League of Women Voters

*BAOBAB for Women's Rights

*Chief (Mrs) Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche

*Lois Auta - Network of Women with Disability

*POWA/NAOWA/DEPOWA

*Nigeria Women Leaders in Political Parties

*International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)

*National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS)

L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya (CEO Women Radio) @ Transcorp Hilton Hotel (Congress Hall) during the Public Hearing for HB 1349 & other Bills for Constitution Amendment by the House of Representatives...

Many spoke passionately in favour of the passage of HB 1349. Let's take snipets from their submission(s):

Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Represented by Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi): Expressed support for HB 1349 and other Bills

Hon. (Dr) Tajudeen Abbas: When legislation is delayed, justice is denied. HB 1349 should be passed and ascented to.

Hon. (Dr) Benjamin Okezie Kalu: He is the sponsor of HB 1349. The Constitutional provision for Amendment is to enable citizens' involvement in governance. The people are the enablers and disciples of democracy. We are happy that you all came out today to build a better Nigeria.

Prof. Joy Ezeilo: The representation of women in Nigeria at national and state Parliaments remains alarmingly low, with wome securing less than 5% of available seats. Where the power is, women are not. A democracy not engendered is endangered. Comparative analysis of Nigeria vis-a-vis other African countries (Inter-Parliamentary Union - IPU data database 2023) exposes the fact that many have achieved at least the 30% benchmark set by the Beijing DEclaration Platform for Action (BDPA 1995) for women in power and decision making.

1) Rwanda: Women constitute 61.3% of the Lower House and 34.6% of the Upper Legislative Chamber

2) South Africa: Women represent 46.2% of the Lower House and 44.4% of the Upper Legislative House

3) Senagal: 46% are women in Parliament

4) Namibia: Women hold 44.2% of seats in the Lower House and 14.3% in the Upper Legislative Chamber

5) Mozambique: Women are 43.2% in Parliament

6) Cape Verde: Women make up 41.7% of Parliament

7) Burundi: Women hold 38.2% in the Lower House and 41.0% of the Upper Legislative Chamber

8) Cameroon: Women hold 34.5% of the Lower House and 29% of the Upper Legislative Chamber

9) Uganda: Women hold 33.8% of Parliament

10) Angola: Women occupy 33.6% of Parliament

11) South Sudan: Women represent 32.4% in the Lower House and 32.1% in the Upper Legislative Chamber

12) Zimbabwe: Women make up 30.6% of the Upper Chambers and 44.2% of the Lower House

13) Tanzania: Women hold 37.4% of Parliamentary seats

Faced with these sobering statistics, Nigerian women across the country unite in strong support of the bold legislative action of the 10 NASS.

Irene Awuna-Ikyegh (President, League of Women Voters in Nigeria): I represent Nigerian women from the 36 states of Nigeria. I defer to our mother, Iyom (Barr) Josephine Anenih. The passage of the Bill would represent a new chapter in the lives of women. Many Memoranda have been written about HB 1349. They are made available to the Committee on Constitution Review...

Mary Ikoku (Politician & Activist): I support both HB 1349 & HB 1588 on the inclusion of women in governance. There should be accelerated passage of the Bills and State adoption of the RSB. Besides, spouses of Nigerian women should be granted Nigeria citizenship.

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA): The language of the Constitution needs to be changed to make it less masculine and more neutral so that the female gender may feel included. Non-Nigerian spouses of women should be able to become Nigerian citizens via marriage. Affirmative action of at least 35% should be upheld for women. We support HB 1349...

Chief Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche: I have taken the HB 1349 campaign all over the country. I support the Bill.

Lois Auta (Network of Women with Disability): WWD have zero participation in every sector. We need to move from exclusion to inclusion and the participation. I commend the 10th NASS giving 5% to WWD. There's productivity in disability. WWD is a protected category in Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999). Deputy Speaker, House of Reps please, please, please come down to receive our submission...

On the whole, Nigerian women were full of praise for the 10th NASS for going this far with the Bills for Constitution Amendment that impact their welfare both at the national, sub-national and family levels. We note that though the NASS is on recess, the venue was moved to Transcorp Hilton Hotel, with MBCWD as incubator for the peaceful rally. Besides, the Senate President sent his Representative. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives were there. Other principal officers of both the Lower and Upper Houses were also there. To all the He for Shes and Amazons that contributed to the highly successful public hearing, thank you all so much. We are confident that this momentum, if sustained, would translate to HB 1349 and related Bills being passed by the NASS. Our amiable President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a He-for-She, would ascent to the Bill.

Bravo to Nigerian women for this innovation of using wheelbarrows accompanied by singing with percussion from drums and tamborines to carry relevant documents during the peaceful procession from the MBCWD to Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Let's watch out: Other groups might begin to copy this wheelbarrow ingenuity. Congrats to my gender for this feat...

                                             Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the Public Hearing

Summarised Compendium of Bills Before the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review for Input @ the National Public Hearing...

Dayo @ Transcorp Hilton Hotel (Congress Hall), venue of the publicc hearing on HB 1349

 

  

ARTICLE 14 OF THE MAPUTO PROTOCOL ON SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & RIGHTS (SRHR) IN THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT

 Baobab for Women's Human Rights (BAOBAB), in collaboration with Equality Now and the Solidarity for African Women's Rights (SOAWR) Coalition held a two-day residential capacity building parley on the implementation of Article 14 of the Maputo Protocol (MP) on Sexual & Reproductive Rights (SRHR) in Nigeria. The venue was The Envoy Hotel, Abuja. I was a valued delegate at the dialogue. The aim was to strengthen the capacity of state and non-state actors to advocate for and support the domestication and implementation of of Article 14 of the MP.

L-R: Hon. Dr. Uju Onwundiwe (Fmr. Member, Imo State House of Assembly) & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

The Forum brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, lawyers, media actors and religious/community leaders. The Forum deliberated on legal, policy and socio-cultural dimensions of SRHR in Nigeria. A platform for the design of advocacy approaches towards the domestication of the MP was developed. The facilitators were Dr. Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor and Ms. Ajobo Atuluku. Ms. Mubi Mugo and Ms. Elizabeth Alukudu were from Equality Now (Kenya).

Group Photo: 2nd left - Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, 6th from left - Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami (ED BAOBAB)

In my intervention, I expressed delight about the fact that this Forum on Article 14 of the MP is coming up simultaneously with the Reserved Seats Bill now before the National Assembly (NASS). The Bill, HB 1349, seeks to increase the number of legislators in Nigeria at both the NASS and the State Houses of Assembly. These two issues: Article 14 of the MP & HB 1349 would synergistically advance the cause of women in Nigeria. This is indeed a welcome coincidence! 

In her opening remarks, Yeye Bunmi called our attention to the fact that the room was a melting pot of expertise. Besides, we should acknowledge those who paved the way for our current work like Aisha Imam (Women In Nigeria - WIN), Prof. Bene Madunagu, Ms. Bilkis Yusuf, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Mme. Margaret Ekpo and many others. Despite the robust nature of the MP, the journey from Ratification to Domestication is long. The MP is still not legally enforceable in our Courts. We need to close the gap between international commitment and domestic reality. We need to strengthen the political voices of women by having more women in the legislature. That is why the 'Reserved Seats Bill' currently at the National Assembly (NASS), is a critical step to put provisions like the MP on the front burner. 

SRHR is not a foreign concept. We need to democratise it for domestic use - and such utilisation should be inclusive: CSOs, PWDs, Government, Media, Religious/Community leaders, etc. Chartam House rules apply here, so feel free to express yourself and share best practices. The entire nation is represented in this room. We expect to generate new knowledge and a clear roadmap for advancing SRHR. 

Then there was the Pre-Test administered by the facilitators. The diversity in the responses by paricipants to the same image(s) showed that even when we are perusing the same images, our experiences determine the number of things we see...

There were sessions on the following:

*Introduction to the MP & its relevance to women/girls' rights in Africa

*The MP & SRHR in the Nigerian context

*Decondtructing Article 14

*Stakeholders' perspectives & Challenges (Panel discussion)

*Group work

*Strengthening the capacity of healthcare systems

*Advocacy & communication for change

*Action plan & way forward

The Forum made the following recommendations (as contained in the Communique)

1) The strategic domestication of Article 14 of the MP

2) Align the Reserved Seats Bill with broader gender advocacy

3) Include marital rape and contraception for adoleacents in the interrogation of SRHR

4) Establish and scale accessible/inclusive shelters in SRHR services in Nigeria

5) Expand media-based advocacy for SRHR

6) Increase funding and resource mobilisation for SRHR

7) Ensure inclusion of vulnerable groups in SRHR care

8) Utilise digital platforms/AI in SRHR campaigns

9) Form cross-sector coalitions and advocacy networks to strengthen coordination in communities

Meanwhile, one of the participants has organised training of trainers (ToT) in his local community less than a week after the convening. This is indeed rapid translation of a national discourse into effective local action. We continue to interact on the WhatsApp Group labelled 'Article 14 Coalition' and I dare say the level of collaboration on the platform is nothing short of impactful so far...Congrats to all fellow participants... 

 

  

NIGERIA: THE RESERVED SEATS BILL - HB 1349

 In Nigeria's National Assembly (NASS), women hold only 4.43% of seats, far below the 35% gender parity international standard target. With women constituting about half of the population, this poor showing is unacceptable. The Reserved Seats Bill (RSB) - HB 1349 is an initiative designed to improve women's representation in Nigeria's NASS and State Houses of Assembly. In the past few days, a number of advocacy engagements have taken place to explain the Bill and democratise same for media, civil society, citizens, organised private sector and other critical stakeholders. I was a valued participant at at least two of these critical engagements: 1) Wednesday, 23rd July 2025 at Abuja Continental Hotel: Programme anchored by Women Radio's CEO, Mrs. Toun Okewale Shonaiya and supported by the Speaker, House of Representatives, CSOs, etc. 2) Tuesday, 29th July 2025 at the House of Representatives. This was an extended media briefing, again anchored by Women Radio in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs & Social Development. The Bill was sponsored by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (CFR). 

L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Ms. Beatrice Eyong (UN Women Country Representative for Nigeria & ECOWAS) on 23rd July @ Abuja Continental Hotel. We were advocating for the passage of the RSB - HB 1349...

In his speech at Abuja Continental Hotel, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass (Ph.D, GCFR) gave an inspiring speech. HB 1349 alligns with our legislative agenda on inclusion of women. Statistics of women's representation are dismal. There are two other Bills related to HB 1349. They are HB 1189 and HB 1421. We should note that a female candidate may need to campaign througout a whole Senatorial District. We need to examine all the proposals in these related Bills in order to make them more practical. INEC needs to ease administrative complexity for women. When women seat at the table, the table becomes stronger. This Bill will be withdrawn after 16 years (i.e. 4 electoral cycles from now). 

No seating member of the NASS or State Houses of Assembly would lose his/her seat. I am aware that many men are apprehensive. But the Reserved Seats are only additions. This roundtable should declare a clear advocacy plan - How do we make these Bills key topics in the State Houses of Assembly, Committees for Women in Parliament, among First Ladies, etc? We need to transform these Bills into media-friendly advocacy. There should be Reserved Seats Desks in the House of Representatives, Senate and State Houses of Assembly. We should transform from ad hoc enthusiasm to structured engagement. We need lobbying and advocacy committees. There should be unity of purpose and uniformity of tone/effort.

The RSB is a Nigerian project. We have seen past efforts fail because of lack of effective strategy. This current effort must not fail. History would judge us for our role. We can move the needle. The cost is small, but the reward would be substantial. There should be internal structures. State governments should should work with the Houses of Assembly to pass the Bill. CSOs should strategise. Do not personalise the process. The media should remain at the vanguard of the advocacy. Specific roles should be assigned. Advocacy is not persecution. We will succeed only if we engage across genders. We should address imbalances in female representation without any backlash. We should give the passage of the Bill the seriousness it deserves.

Some of the others who spoke at the meeting were: Rt. Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (Chair, House of Reps Committee on Women Affairs); Bukie Shonibare (Invictus Africa); Ms. Ene Ede (Gender Advocate); Felicia Onibon (100 Women Lobby Group); Barr. Ebere Ifendu (President Women in Politics Forum); Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin (Southern Women Empowerment Forum); Lois Auta (PWD Advocate); Irene Awuna (President League of Women Voters); Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami (ED BAOBAB); Tobechukwu; Moremi Ojodu (SSA to the President on Community Engagement); Wan Goodie (Chinese Embassy); Ene Obi (Former CEO Action Aid); Princess Obels (Director The Electoral Hub); Seun Akinbaloye (Channels TV)

Seun Okinbaloye spoke about 'Media Advocacy Strategy: A Roadmap for Advancing Gender Representation through the Power of Media'. As regards advocacy, we need to be smarter than the last time. I propose the following:

*Strategic framing: Inform the coomunity, stoop to conquer, media should present the affrimative action proposal.

*Partner with Media Houses and reputable Blogs. Consider other partnerships.

*Advocacy should be data-driven. This should also include story-telling especially stories of women that touch hearts and spark action.

             Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the House of Representatives for advocacy on the RSB

*Use digital platforms that democratise advocacy.

*Content creation: Creativity turns scarcity into opportunity

*Note the critical role of development partners

*Win the heart of young Nigerians because they use digital tools better than oldies.

*Agree on one hashtag 

*Create a standard 'pledge' e.g. 'I pledge to stand against cultural/societal discrimination against women and girls'...

L-R: Ms. Ene Ede, Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Barr. Ebere Ifendu & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ Abuja Continental Hotel for advocacy on the RSB...

The advocacy continued at the House of Representatives with the Media briefing at the House of Representatives on the 29th of July 2025.

Committes earlier inaugurated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the 23rd of July 2025, outlined their workplans:

1) Community Engagement & Mobilisation led by Kehinde Charity Awojola:

We need to penetrate at the local government level. The 36 states and the FCT. The 774 LG Coordinators. We should foster a sense of ownership among women's groups, CSOs, influential individuals, etc. Have Town Hall meetings and elicit traditional rulers' commitment.

2) Coalition-building for Community & Stakeholder Engagement led by Rt. Hon. Bunmi Adelugba:

Enagage and mobilise key stahkeholders. Stakeholder mapping. One-on-one meetings. Social & traditional media campaigns. Consult CSOs, traditional institutions, professional associations, youth groups, student groups and PWDs. Categorise stakeholders according to their interests. For coalition-building, we should advocate and lobby. We should adjust our statistics based on feedback and train some stakeholders.

3) Content Development & Secretariat led by Tochukwu Prosper: 

Diseminate relevant info to demographics. Every progressive Bill passed into Law should positively impact the people. Explain the Bill to the populace and state clearly what the Bill is not. We shall be visible on Instagram and other social media platforms.

4) Legislative liaison led by Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami:

Create robust strategy for passage of Bill by October 2025. We should cultivate 'foundational relationships' in order to come up with a robust strategy. Liaise with formal and informal legislative influencers and networks. Engage in legislative lobbying at the state and federal levels. We should develop messages for lobbying. Deploy strategic communication (StratCom) and monitor proceeding with a view to teasing out issues relevant to the ventual passage of the Bill. Also keep track of 'Yes votes related to the Bill...

5) Communication & Public Relations (PR) led by Rebecca Sonuga:

Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian understands the RSB: HB 1181, HB 1421 & HB 1349. We shall use simple language that everyone can understand. Traditional and socila media should be engaged in the campaign. Use Hashtag RSB. Men and women should work side by side for the passage of the Bill. We are targetting maximum visibility for the Bill. We shall create relevant visuals on line. Legislation without communication is limitation. We shall roll out captivating videos and elicit the support of influencers. Strategic placement of content about the Bill in Editorials and Op-Ed pages. We shall debunk mis-information. This Bill is not about unqualified women, but it's about inclusion. We are very conscious of language inclusion - communication materials would be translated into Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo and Pidgin. We shall also roll out a 'fact sheet', stating clearly what the Bill is and what it's not.

With such robust strategic engagement planned by the committees, we hope this Bill would be eventually passed by both the Lower and Upper Houses and assented to by the President...

   

 

NIGERIA: DOMESTICATION OF THE MAPUTO PROTOCOL

 On the 26th of June 2025, a 'Stakeholders' meeting on domesticating the Maputo Protocol in Nigeria' was convened by 'BAOBAB for Women's Human Rights'. The theme of the parley was 'Paving the way for women's rights & political power in Nigeria'. The Executive Director, BAOBAB, Yeye Olubunmi Dipo-Salami facilitated the engaging meeting held at Novare Mall Hall 2, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja 

L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa (Representative, Women Affairs Secretariat - WAS Abuja) & Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami (ED BAOBAB)

Some of the objectives of the meeting are:

* To move the needle on the domestication of the Maputo Protocol (MP)

* To assess effort and progress towards the domestication of the MP in Nigeria

* To engage strategic actors, raise awareness and foster dialogue on the relevance and urgency of domesticating the MP

* To present female politicians who recently completed a twelve week mentorship programme

* Identify practical strategies and entry points for transformative advocacy to speed up the demestication process

The meeting began with an overview of the agenda, workshop objectives and participants' expectations. My expectation:

* Participants emerge from the meeting with a firm resolve to stop working in silos

* Gain more insight about what the Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS) could do in addition to her current effort to accelerate the process of domesticating the MP

* More strategies to create awareness about the MP

Four government Agencies were represented:

* Office of the Senator representing the FCT in the Upper House - Sen. Ireti Kingibe (Represented by Mrs. Mweuese Anande) 

* Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS) Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi (Represented by Dr. Dayo Kusa)

* National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS) DG Prof. Abubakar Suleiman (Represented online by Dr. Emily Ihide)

* The National Assembly (NASS) represented

I noted that the DG of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman is a gender sensitive CEO and male champion for women's rights who I have encountered on many occasions. The inroad for the MP into the NASS could be the 'Special Seats Bill' now before members and the Gender Technical Unit (GTU). WAS has been working in many areas in consonance with the provisions of the MP, without specifically linking same to it.

I informed participants that some of the areas where WAS could buy into the advocacy are:

* Working with the wives of traditional leaders in the six Area Councils of the FCT. The forum is coordinated by the wife of the Ona of Abaji. WAS also penetrates the grassroots through the Women Development Officers (WDOs) in the six Area Councils for women's empowerment, etc.

* The Accelerators' Programme for the training of 40+ young ladies in life skills in order to accelerate the process towards gender equity and eventual equality. This is in collaboration with UN Women, Abuja

* The yearly celebration of 16 Days' Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV)

* WAS has been identified by the World Bank as the hub/platform for the actualisation and implemantation of the contents of the Disability Act in the FCT. Furthermore, it's worthy of note that the Disability Unit is situated in the Mandate Secretary's Office. A three-day program on the Disability Act, sponsored by the World Bank was held last month.

* WAS shall soon publish her own simplified version of the VAPP Act and Child Rights Act.

The government agencies, and indeed NGOs were admonished to indentify specific aspects of their work that could significantly contribute to the domestication of the MP effectively in practice. A major outcome of the meeting was the resolve to revitalise the existing coalition for the MP in Nigeria - CODMAP. WAS and other agencies were admitted into the ad hoc Steering Committee for the effective domestication of the MP. The representative of WRAPA (Women's Rights Advancement & Protection Alternative) informed us that a simplified version of the MP has been published by their organisation.

Then the selected female politicians from the six Area Councils of the FCT who had been trained for 12 weeks under the auspices of BAOBAB were unveiled. One of their mentors/trainers, Hon. Bunmi Adelugba, first female Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly was present at the meeting. She recounted her experiences during the mentorship programme. The mentees also put on record their challenges, gains and hope for the future.

L-R: Hon. Bunmi Adelugba (First female Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly & one of the mentors for the young female politicians in the FCT during the twelve week programme) & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

On the whole, the parley achieved its aims. A steering committee was set up to accelerate the process. There is buy-in from both government agencies and CSOs. There's commitment to re-vitalise the existing coalition for the effective domestication of the MP. Let's keep the momentum towards making the MP a household concept via ensuring the MP is effectively understood and disseminated in the FCT and indeed Nigeria...

   

NIGERIA: A PEER REVIEW COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR SGBV

 A Peer Review Community Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Data Integrity Pledge Commitment (a.k.a. The Rockview Accord) was signed by stakeholders in Abuja on the 11th of February 2025. It was convened by Hadis Foundation in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and International Institute for Democracy & Electoral Assistance (IDEA). The Preamble of the Pledge was:

'We, the undersigned members of the High Level Multi-Agency Team (HI-MAT) and the Service Provider Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC), across states hereby pledge our unwavering commitment to the establishment and implementation of a robust Peer-Review Community of Practice (PRCP). This pledge is rooted in our shared vision to enhance data accountability, improve the prevention of SGBV and ensure justice for survivors and families affected by SGBV across Nigeria...'

The collectice Vision, exact meaning of  a PRCP, raison d'etre for a PRCP, rules guiding the PRCP, reward for commitment and what members were committing to were clearly spelt out. Some of the state HI-MAT and SPARC present were: Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti and Kwara

L-R: Barr. Shirley Atame (she emerged Chairperson, of the Peer-Review Community of Practice for SGBV Data Integrity. Shirley is the representative of Ekiti state govt) & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

The Leadership of the Community of Practice is as follows:

*Chairperson: Ekiti state - Barr. Shirley Atame

*Secretary: FCT - Sunday Agbabiaka

*Member: Adamawa state - Amos Yusuf Sunday

*Member: Anambra state - Yohana Rachael

*Member: Edo state - Esohe Uwuigbe

*Member: Kano state - Barr. Fatima Ahmad

*Member: Kwara state - Funke Banjo

In her opening remarks, Founder Hadis Foundation, Dr. Amina Salihu aptly described herself as an 'Activator Feminist' who is a catalyst for noble causes like the SGBV Community of Practice. At the panel discussion, various states highlighted their challenges with more advanced states in the SGBV Data Integrity journey sharing their experiences as to how they navigated difficult terrains. There were issues about Situation Rooms, Relationship between HI-MAT and SPARC, the fact that donors do not support the release of data generated through funding by them, irregularity of meetings between HI-MAT and SPARC in states, etc.

What then was the adopted action plan?

* Participating states should form a WhatsApp or Telegram group

* A reward sysytem for best-performing states should be instituted

* There should be sanctions for non-performing states

* There should be quarterly meetings between HI-MAT and SPARC in states. At the national level, there should be yearly convening. 

* Awareness should be created about the need for inter-agency collaboration on data

* Google forms should be made available to fill in in-coming reports

The idea of the PRCP is indeed commendable. The current high tempo should be maintained in order to ensure the integrity of data in the SGBV millieu. I congratulate all the elected officers and wish them a successful tenure in the service of the nation...  

NIGERIA: FIRST HANDBOOK ON ETHICAL AI

 Between February 13th to 16th 2025, I was a major stakeholder at the 'Build Tech Camp' (BTC) held at Ibeto Hotel, Abuja. The Camp was organized by Hadis Foundation in collaboration with Luminate Foundation. The aim of the BTC was the Training of Trainers (ToT) who would eventually step down the knowledge acquired in their constituencies. The project is under the 'Building Agency through Ethical Tech Application across Universities' (Build Tech) Project funded by Luminate Foundation.

Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, experiencing Virtual Reality first hand, @ 67 years young, courtesy of 'Human Angle' 3D Tech. I was 'transported' via virtual reality to Maiduguri from Ibeto Hotel, Abuja. I 'witnessed' a day in the life of a family in the insurgency infested region! The experience felt so real...

Some of the Trainers were:

*Dr. Amina Salihu - Founder, Hadis Foundation

*Adeyemi Okediran

*Nurudeen Yakubu

*Chioma Aguiegbo

*Femi Olarinoye

*Human Angle Team -Virtual Reality Tech Firm

The ToT approach enables participants gain tools and extend their learning by training others while providing creative solutions. This would have a ripple effect on critical tech practices. The delegates were from two states in Nigeria: Kaduna and Kwara. 

The BTC sought to:

* Promote generational awareness and skill-enabling in tech for the public good.

*Equip youth leaders across diverse backgrounds with the competence to 

- navigate the online space ethically

- advocate an online safety culture

- raise awareness and generate public interest in tech use across sectors

* Test and refine the first-of-its-kind handbook on ethical tech in Nigeria

*Develop a network of ToT participants/leadres to diseminate technology at the grassroots.

*Gather feedback to enhance step-down training 

*Foster commitment to creating tech-based solutions for vulnerable and under-served communities

The major achievement of the BTC was that the first-of-its-kind 160 page Handbook on Ethical Use of Tech In Nigeria was throughly dissected and refined by the delegates in a 'democratic' setting. The process was inclusive and all comments, viewspoints, residual knowledge, etc were aired and debated. I look forward to the final version of the Handbook...

                                     Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa: 2nd day @ the Build Tech Camp