Amb. Kingsley Onuche Launches 30 Million Women in Parliament Advocacy in Abuja
In a renewed push for inclusive governance and democratic consolidation, President of the Peace Ambassadors Advocacy Network, Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Onuche, on Thursday launched the 30 Million Girls & Women in Parliament Initiative (2035), describing it as a strategic intervention aimed at deepening democratic governance and promoting inclusive representation.
The initiative was unveiled during a High-Level Dialogue held at the Los Angeles Event Center, which brought together policymakers, development partners, and stakeholders across sectors to deliberate on pathways to advancing women’s participation in governance.
The event, themed “From Inclusion to Representation: Advancing 30 Million Girls and Women in Parliament,” underscored the urgency of bridging gender gaps in political leadership and decision-making processes.
Among dignitaries present were Dr. Falmata Mohamed, Real Warri Pikin, Wakil, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniye, Hon. Fatima Yahaya, Mrs. Solape Sonuga, Dr. Angela Adamu, Val Okafor, Hon. Muktar Dahiru, Ambassador Dr. Onyenaucheya Kemak, Dr. Umma Abdullahi, Haphsat Ibrahim Modibbo, Hon. Isha Abubakar Sadiq, and Hon. Jamila Shaibu.
Speaking with journalists, Onuche said the initiative is designed as a coordinated national and global advocacy platform to accelerate the inclusion of women and girls in political leadership. He noted that the programme seeks to mobilise actors across government, civil society, and the diplomatic community to support increased female representation in legislative institutions.
According to him, the framework—30 Million Girls and Women in Parliament for Peace, Security and Democratic Stability 2035—is anchored on the principles of gender equality, inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
He emphasised the role of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict recovery, adding that the initiative is structured to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance.
As deliberations progressed, participants collectively called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to expedite legislative action on the Reserved Seat Bill and ensure its progression to third reading.
They noted that the measure would provide a structured pathway for enhancing women’s participation in parliament, while strengthening democratic inclusivity and national development outcomes.
Contributors at the session stressed that leadership begins at the grassroots, urging women to engage actively at community levels while advocating institutional reforms that remove barriers to participation.
The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the need to translate advocacy into concrete outcomes, with stakeholders reaffirming commitment to expanding opportunities for inclusive governance.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition governance structures toward equity and broad-based participation, with organisers expressing optimism that sustained engagement will yield measurable impact.
