Constitutional Amendment: Dr. Christabel Urges Implementation of Beijing Declaration on Women

By Ugbede James Ankpa

As the National Assembly continues to receive memoranda across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones for the ongoing constitutional review, Dr. Christabel Okoye, National Coordinator of Excellent Women International, has called for the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights within the amended constitution.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly, Dr. Christabel advocated for increased female representation in political offices, stressing that the new constitution should guarantee that at least one-quarter of seats in the House of Representatives be reserved for women.

“We are mothers; we are builders with a passion for doing the right thing. When women are included, you see a significant difference. Many women are not corrupt—they are nation builders. I strongly urge that one-quarter of House seats be constitutionally reserved for women. Let this be a new beginning,” she stated.

For the Senate, she proposed a more structured approach to gender representation. “Each state has three senatorial districts—one of those should be allocated to women, while the other two can go to men. Currently, in the 10th Senate, there are only three women out of 109 senators. That’s laughable, unfair, and simply unacceptable.”

Dr. Christabel further demanded that the 30% Affirmative Action contained in the Beijing Declaration be incorporated into the constitution to ensure that at least 30% of political appointments are reserved for women.

“Beijing declared it, and many countries have implemented it. Why should Nigeria lag behind?” she questioned. “Women have the heart and capacity to lead with integrity. Please, consider us—we are also human beings deserving of a fair share.”

Addressing the long-standing belief that women do not support fellow women politically, Dr. Christabel rejected the notion. “That idea is outdated. Today, women are rallying behind one another. I have led Excellent Women International for 24 years, and our annual conference remains a platform for mutual support and empowerment. Women are now ready to vote and support fellow women.”

Dr. Christabel, who also serves as the Executive Secretary of the National Association on Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDROM) and Editor-in-Chief of Christabel Magazine, raised alarm over the growing menace of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

“Drug abuse is destroying our future generation. Despite NDLEA’s efforts, we are still seeing youths wandering the streets, hallucinating, and being killed in hotels. If we don’t act fast, there will be no future left for our young people.”

She also emphasized the importance of local government autonomy, urging the immediate implementation of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the matter.

“What is the purpose of a court judgment if it is not enforced?” she asked rhetorically.

Finally, Dr. Christabel pushed for the inclusion of state police in the constitution, saying it is a necessary step to curb rising insecurity and lawlessness.

“If we had state police, we wouldn’t witness the kind of reckless killings and illegal activities we see today. Security would be more localized, effective, and responsive.”

With the constitutional amendment process ongoing, Dr. Christabel’s submissions echo growing calls for gender equity, youth protection, and structural reforms across Nigeria.