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AdvoKC Foundation paid a strategic advocacy visit to Rt. Hon. Lasbat, Deputy Speaker, who reaffirmed her support for the proposed Gender Composition Bill under the Strengthening Women and Youth Political Power. The Gender Composition Bill seeks to reform the Gender Balance in Political Offices.The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to advance inclusive governance and deepen women’s political participation in Lagos State and beyond.
During the engagement, the Deputy Speaker reiterated her commitment to the bill and emphasised the urgent need for sustained sensitization efforts to encourage greater participation of women in politics. She highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement, particularly within basic education, noting that formative years are critical in shaping political awareness and sagacity among young people.
She further encouraged women to participate in the full spectrum of political engagement actively, including attending strategy meetings and occupying decision-making spaces. According to her, meaningful inclusion requires women to be present where critical decisions are made rather than leaving such responsibilities solely to men.
Rt. Hon. Lasbat also pledged continuous mentoring for women in politics and expressed her readiness to support initiatives that empower competent and visionary women leaders who have meaningful contributions to make in public service.
Speaking during the visit, Habib Sheidu, Project Director at AdvoKC Foundation, expressed appreciation for the Deputy Speaker’s longstanding support and openness to collaboration, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to policy advocacy and inclusive reforms.
“Our engagement is rooted in evidence and sustained civic action,” Habib stated. “The Gender Composition Bill represents a structural reform necessary to correct longstanding imbalances in political representation.”
Dare Olatunde, Program Manager at AdvoKC Foundation, noted that women constitute nearly 50 percent of Lagos State’s population and stressed that a 35 percent quota for women’s representation should remain non negotiable in any serious democratic reform effort.
Onyinye Edyson, Program Manager at AdvoKC Foundation, highlighted the research informing the bill, explaining that data continues to show fluctuations and persistent under-representation of women in governance. She emphasised that the proposed legislation provides a sustainable and institutional framework for gender equity rather than leaving inclusion to political goodwill.
Other participants at the meeting included Kyla Samuel, Communications Associate at AdvoKC Foundation, and Habeeb Adewale, Executive Director of the Digital Future Development Initiative DiF-DI, who also reiterated the importance of the Gender Composition Bill and commended the Deputy Speaker for her firm support of the reform.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to sustained advocacy and broader stakeholder engagement to advance gender-inclusive governance.