Two-Day Co-Creation Workshop on Biodiversity, Equality, and Inclusion Bill Held with Legislators

Speakers and Legislators at the event

WARDC Africa, UN Women, and Women in Politics organized a two-day co-creation workshop with legislators to deliberate on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill. The event brought together State House of Assembly legislators from 10 states across the Federation, aiming to foster inclusive and gender-sensitive legislation that promotes women’s participation in biodiversity and political processes.
The workshop, held in Lagos Nigeria, featured key stakeholders who emphasized the importance of creating laws that address the needs of women and children while ensuring gender equity in political and environmental spheres.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the National Institute for Democratic Studies, Emily Ikhide urged legislators to prioritize timely and sensitive bills that promote women’s participation. She stressed the need to bridge the gender gap in political movements, ensuring that girls and women are actively included in decision-making processes.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Director of WARDC Africa, highlighted the purpose of the co-creation workshop. She explained that the initiative aimed to bring legislators together to collaboratively design a bill that addresses the unique needs of women and children. Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi described the proposed bill as an “umbrella bill” that would establish a commission dedicated to biodiversity issues, ensuring that gender equality and inclusion are central to its implementation.

Rt. Hon Abubakar Suleiman, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, reiterated the commitment of legislators to review and domesticate the bill in their respective states. He emphasized the importance of tailoring the bill to address local challenges while aligning with national objectives.
Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, described the bill as more than just a legal document. She stated that it represents a transformative instrument that will serve as a moral compass for society. “This bill embodies the spirit of fairness, justice, and inclusiveness, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

Rt Hon Abubakar Suleiman. Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly

The workshop saw the participation of speakers from Lagos, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, and Borno states. Deputy speakers from Kaduna and Cross River states were also in attendance, underscoring the widespread interest and commitment to advancing gender equality and biodiversity through legislative action.

The co-creation workshop marks a significant step toward the development of a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill. Legislators have pledged to continue working collaboratively to ensure the bill’s successful passage and implementation, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.

Emmanuel Olonade
Communications Officer
communications@wfm917.com