Inside Edo
Edo assembly speaker pushes for greater female representation amid anti-GBV advocacy
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
26 Nov 2025 01:41 PM
Benin, Edo – In a strong show of support for gender equality, Rt. Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has called for increased female representation in governance, recommending at least two women per senatorial district.
The declaration came during an advocacy visit by representatives from the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and partner NGOs as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The visit, aimed at bolstering efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV), highlighted the assembly's ongoing commitment to women's rights.
Agbebaku emphasized that "no man has the right to assault or demean a woman," underscoring the need for societal and legal reforms. He assured the delegation that the House would review existing laws on GBV to strengthen penalties where necessary, building on frameworks like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law passed by the 7th Assembly.
Leading the delegation were Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, and Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
Anani expressed gratitude for the audience and stressed the role of women's empowerment in development, particularly for vulnerable groups.
"The 16 Days of Activism is about raising awareness and curbing gender-based violence," she said, calling for collaborative action across sectors.
Former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Marie Edekor, who was among the assembly members present, praised the VAPP Law as one of the state's most progressive measures for women's protection. She noted the 8th Assembly's gender-sensitive approach and openness to partnerships with advocacy groups.
Agbebaku, accompanied by Deputy Speaker Hon. Atu Osamwonyi, Majority Leader Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and other lawmakers including Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, Hon. Bright Iyamu, Hon. Eugene Inegbebor, Hon. Uyi Omosigho, Hon. Allison Okaka, and Hon. Sunday Aghedo, used the occasion to invite the group to his upcoming empowerment program.
The initiative targets about 300 women in his Owan West constituency, with materials to be distributed by women leaders and the First Lady's office coordinator.
This event underscores Edo State's proactive stance on gender issues, aligning with global campaigns to end violence against women and promote inclusive governance.
Stakeholders hope the proposed reviews and increased representation will lead to tangible policy changes in the coming sessions.
The declaration came during an advocacy visit by representatives from the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and partner NGOs as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The visit, aimed at bolstering efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV), highlighted the assembly's ongoing commitment to women's rights.
Agbebaku emphasized that "no man has the right to assault or demean a woman," underscoring the need for societal and legal reforms. He assured the delegation that the House would review existing laws on GBV to strengthen penalties where necessary, building on frameworks like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law passed by the 7th Assembly.
Leading the delegation were Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, and Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
Anani expressed gratitude for the audience and stressed the role of women's empowerment in development, particularly for vulnerable groups.
"The 16 Days of Activism is about raising awareness and curbing gender-based violence," she said, calling for collaborative action across sectors.
Former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Marie Edekor, who was among the assembly members present, praised the VAPP Law as one of the state's most progressive measures for women's protection. She noted the 8th Assembly's gender-sensitive approach and openness to partnerships with advocacy groups.
Agbebaku, accompanied by Deputy Speaker Hon. Atu Osamwonyi, Majority Leader Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and other lawmakers including Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, Hon. Bright Iyamu, Hon. Eugene Inegbebor, Hon. Uyi Omosigho, Hon. Allison Okaka, and Hon. Sunday Aghedo, used the occasion to invite the group to his upcoming empowerment program.
The initiative targets about 300 women in his Owan West constituency, with materials to be distributed by women leaders and the First Lady's office coordinator.
This event underscores Edo State's proactive stance on gender issues, aligning with global campaigns to end violence against women and promote inclusive governance.
Stakeholders hope the proposed reviews and increased representation will lead to tangible policy changes in the coming sessions.
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