A civil society organisation, The Reserved Seats For Women Bill Advocacy, has described the bill as a “litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy.’’

The coalition’s South-East Coordinator, Dr Adaora Onyechere, said this while addressing journalists in Owerri, on Friday.

A public hearing on the bill is to hold on Saturday, with Imo State hosting delegates from Abia State.

Ms Onyechere said that with only four women in Nigeria’s 10th Senate, it would be imperative to pass the bill into law as a way of demonstrating the country’s commitment to increased women participation in legislation.

She further described the bill as a “clarion call for the South-East to end poverty,’’ adding that as principal drivers of the market economy, effective pro-women legislation would further drive economic growth.

She said, “Women will not be the only beneficiaries; if we get this right, Nigeria gets it right in many areas. This is a social responsibility bill because women are footprints of the economy.’’

She thanked the House of Representatives for the first and second readings of the bill and urged its passage into law.

Speaking, Chairperson of the Delegates Committee for Abia and Imo states, Dr Vivian Dimgba, noted that when passed into law, the bill would not only strengthen female voices but also fully promote the principle of equity.

She said that after four election cycles of 16 years, the law would be reviewed to determine areas of adjustment and reposition it for the future.

Also, a human rights lawyer and member of the delegates committee, Dr Ndidi Anike, said that the bill provided support for gender equity and the national gender policy.

(NAN)