Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar (Katsina Times), 

Assembly’s Senate Committee on Electoral Matters organized a two-day North-West Zonal Legislative Interactive Session in Katsina, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the participation of women and youth in leadership and elections. Held on October 24-25, 2024, the session provided a platform for comprehensive dialogue on the roles of women and young people in Nigeria’s evolving democratic process.

Representing Governor Dikko Umar Radda at the session, Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, commended the Senate’s initiative and emphasized the need for continuous amendments to Nigeria's electoral laws. He noted that while Nigeria’s democracy remains in its early stages, it is crucial for lawmakers to address the ongoing challenges through legislative reforms. Faskari highlighted the importance of women and youth as key stakeholders in shaping the future of the country, both as voters and future leaders.

“Women, as mothers, daughters, and wives, are integral to our society, while young people, whether male or female, are vital participants in the electoral process and future leadership. Their involvement is critical for the continued growth of our democracy,” Faskari stated. He encouraged all participants to fully engage in the discussions, noting that their contributions would play a significant role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The interactive session, themed "Legislation and Participation of Women and Young Persons in Election and Leadership," was designed to explore legislative frameworks that would foster greater gender and youth inclusivity. Participants included representatives from various civil society organizations across the North-West region, covering states like Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kaduna. Chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Ali, Chairman of the Senate Electoral Committee, the session featured discussions on legal reforms, policy initiatives, and the challenges facing underrepresented groups in Nigerian politics.

The event received support from international partners, including UN Women and the Government of Canada, through the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI). These partners reaffirmed their commitment to promoting gender equality and youth empowerment as critical elements for democratic progress in Nigeria.

The session's high turnout, particularly the active participation of women, was noted as a positive sign for future electoral reforms. The diverse representation ensured that the discussions were inclusive and that the recommendations would reflect the interests of all stakeholders.

The event concluded with calls for actionable legislative changes that would enhance the representation of women and youth in governance. The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters pledged to consider the recommendations and ensure that future electoral laws would better reflect the needs of these key demographic groups.

This session marked a significant step in the Senate’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by fostering inclusive political participation across the North-West region.