The opening day of the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, featured discussions on women’s political participation, disability inclusion and legislative measures to strengthen representation.
At the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, delegates examined institutional responses to violence against women in politics and considered how parliaments could better protect and empower women living with disabilities.
The discussions also addressed the role of legislation, education, employment opportunities and representation in building more inclusive political institutions.
The National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF), in its report on the morning session held on October 5, 2026, highlighted contributions from Nigeria, Uganda and delegates representing the Middle East and North Africa region.
The 153rd IPU Assembly runs from October 5 to 9, 2026, under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.” The gathering brings parliamentarians together to discuss shared challenges and strengthen international parliamentary cooperation.
Women’s political participation takes centre stage
One of the key issues discussed during the Forum of Women Parliamentarians was violence against women in politics.
Delegates considered institutional responses and good practices that parliaments could adopt to protect women lawmakers and strengthen support systems.
The session also examined the role of women’s caucuses in promoting participation and ensuring that women’s experiences inform parliamentary decisions.
The discussions reflected concerns about the barriers women face when seeking political office, participating in legislative activities or contributing to public decision-making.
Beyond increasing the number of women in political institutions, participants considered how parliaments could create conditions that allow women to exercise influence and participate meaningfully.
The forum also explored the additional challenges faced by women with disabilities, including discrimination, violence and limited access to political representation.
Disability inclusion and parliamentary reform
Another major focus was the proposed resolution titled Inclusive Social Development for All: Parliamentary Strategies to Promote the Rights and Empowerment of Persons Living with Disabilities.
The resolution was presented by co-rapporteurs C. Lohr of Switzerland, F. Incou of Türkiye and C. Mumma of Kenya, according to the NALTF report.
Delegates considered how parliaments could ensure that disability inclusion policies addressed the specific needs of women with disabilities.
Questions included access to education, employment and justice, as well as representation in parliament and participation in civil society consultations.
Participants also examined whether reserved seats and quota systems could help address underrepresentation.
However, contributions stressed that representation should lead to meaningful participation, influence and improved livelihoods rather than remain a numerical target.
The discussion further highlighted the potential for women’s caucuses and disability caucuses to work together in legislative debates, public hearings and consultations.
Nigeria highlights legislation and reserved representation
Nigeria’s delegation used its contribution to discuss disability legislation, demographic data and proposed reforms to women’s parliamentary representation.
According to the NALTF report, the Nigerian representative referred to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act and the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities as part of the country’s response to disability-related challenges.
The delegation also highlighted the Special Seats for Women Bill, a proposed constitutional reform intended to increase women’s representation in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
The contribution further referenced support expressed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for pursuing reserved parliamentary representation for persons with disabilities.
These issues connected Nigeria’s domestic legislative agenda with the broader discussions at the IPU Assembly.
The contribution emphasised that women, including women living with disabilities, should be recognised as participants in national development and political leadership.
The proposed reforms formed part of a wider debate about how parliaments can improve representation while ensuring that affected groups have meaningful opportunities to influence policy.
Uganda shares experience on education, employment and access to justice
Uganda’s contribution outlined measures aimed at improving the participation and welfare of persons with disabilities.
According to the report, the country highlighted affirmative-action provisions intended to increase representation in parliament and local government.
The contribution also emphasised inclusive education, scholarships, assistive devices, accessible learning materials and sign-language support.
In employment, Uganda highlighted non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation, alongside financing and economic empowerment programmes.
Access to justice was another priority, particularly the need to help women with disabilities report violence and access appropriate support.
The contribution stressed that the effectiveness of affirmative action should be assessed through practical outcomes, including sustainable employment, viable businesses and greater financial independence.
The examples added to the broader discussion about translating legislative commitments into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Education and economic empowerment remain central
Contributions from the Middle East and North Africa region also addressed education and employment measures for persons with disabilities.
The NALTF report documented a contribution describing university-fee exemptions, employment quotas and tax exemptions.
The delegate referred to a 90 per cent exemption on regular university fees for eligible students with disabilities, alongside a separate exemption for certain parallel programmes. These measures were presented as examples of support for access to education and economic participation.
Such interventions featured in the wider conversation about removing financial and institutional barriers.
Access to education, assistive technology and fair employment opportunities can influence whether persons with disabilities participate fully in economic and public life.
For parliamentarians, the challenge is to ensure that legal protections are supported by practical implementation, accessible services and effective oversight.
Discussions point towards more inclusive parliamentary action
The morning session brought together several connected priorities: protecting women in politics, strengthening disability rights, expanding access to education and employment, and improving representation.
A recurring theme was the need to move beyond formal commitments towards effective participation.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of collaboration between parliamentary caucuses, civil society organisations and institutions responsible for implementing disability policies.
According to the NALTF report, the session concluded with appreciation for the co-rapporteurs’ work and a commitment to integrate a gender perspective on disability into the proposed resolution on inclusive social development.
The discussions formed part of the Assembly’s wider programme on governance, inclusion and community empowerment.
The IPU’s official programme also included deliberations on parliamentary action relating to artificial intelligence, extractive industries, climate-related challenges and the future of work.
As the Assembly continued, the central question remained how parliamentary commitments could translate into legislation, oversight and practical improvements for the people represented by lawmakers.
For Nigeria and other participating countries, the opening-day discussions provided an opportunity to connect national reforms with international exchanges on inclusive governance and equal participation.
