The Plateau State House of Assembly has begun legislative steps to protect the inheritance rights of women and girls, as stakeholders across the state expressed strong support for a proposed bill aimed at ending gender-based discrimination in property ownership.

At a public hearing held Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Jos, participants from government institutions, the judiciary, security agencies, traditional councils, civil society groups and women’s advocacy organisations endorsed the proposed legislation.

The bill seeks to guarantee women and girls the right to inherit land, property, benefits and privileges from deceased parents and husbands—rights that are often restricted by customary practices favouring male heirs.

Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary Matters, Kalamu Idris Gyang, said the strong stakeholder support and recommendations received during the hearing reflected growing acceptance of the proposed reforms.

Gyang noted that longstanding cultural practices had denied many women inheritance rights and stressed the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring the bill is passed into law. “This bill is for the people of Plateau State. We are very determined to make sure that this bill sees the light of day,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Sylvester Wallangko, described the proposed legislation as a response to persistent disputes and inequalities linked to inheritance practices across the state.

Special Adviser on Social Welfare to the governor, Esther Simi Dusu, said the bill would promote women’s empowerment and align with national policies supporting women’s property ownership rights.

She added that the proposed law, which has received broad backing from stakeholders, could mark a significant step toward reducing gender inequality and strengthening social justice in inheritance practices across Plateau State.