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{
    "id": 1086353,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1086353/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 257,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Prof.) Jacqueline Oduol",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "do. So, we should be allowed to repeat. My submission as I sit in this august House is, I am of the view that there are times when the broad framework of gender, equity and equality as was in the mind of the framers of the Constitution is not as clearly debated or articulated so as to do justice. Therefore, looking at this Amendment Bill, I have confirmed that we seem not to be clearly capturing it because in Clause 58(3)(1)(b), the Bill takes into account the national values and principles. It also talks about Article 10 and 27 of the Constitution. In both Articles, we are speaking specifically about observing human dignity, equality, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalised. In the same way, looking at Article 27 of the Constitution that the Amendment Bill speaks to and away from gender equality and equity, we find this Article in the Constitution states that everyone and every person should be treated equally. As I look at the County Governments (Amendment) Bill, it is clear that it seeks to ensure that county business will be handled effectively. As I support, I would like to have reservations that it is not clear what the Bill sees as useful in helping to uphold gender equality and equity and ensure we address marginalisation. I would like to indicate that there is a way in which we use the term ‘gender’ and tend to assume that once you say gender, women and mainstream, you are saying the governor shall observe these principles and it is not clear we are talking about professions. As I come to the end of my submission, I want to state that as I support, my reservation has become stronger after listening to the Leader of the Majority Party. I want us to be aware that when looking at the Constitution and particularly when talking about gender equality and equity, we are saying that we would like to be given the same treatment. I want to agree with the Leader of the Majority Party that it is important to have professionalism and somebody who will be seeking to be engaged in the activities and credible to be the secretary of the board. In the same breath, I want us not to take the matter of gender as lightly as we have sometimes done because it is recognising that we have males and females. There will be ways in which males and females can sometimes be unfairly treated or marginalised. When we do this, it simply means there will be equal involvement, participation and engagement. So, when governors consider to nominate persons to be in the board, they will not look for professionals whom they see as male and seek to complete the equation by looking around and picking any female who will not rise to the task or be a professional. I support this Amendment Bill, but with a lot of reservations in particular because it seems to be repetitive in ways that are not necessary. Also, to avoid a situation where we will be treating men and women in ways that do not necessarily uphold equality, give respect and allow at the county level for participation of women who are professionals or capable. Hon. Speaker, I support, but with reservations. Thank you."
}