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{
    "id": 1508485,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1508485/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 115,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Lemaletian",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "This landmark event brought together a diverse group of both seasoned and emerging female leaders from across Africa, alongside male champions of gender equality, through my office. The conference served as a crucial platform for discussing the pressing need for increased female representation in leadership roles across all spheres of governance, from politics to the private sector and civil society. The choice of Kenya as the host country for this conference is a testament to the significant strides our nation has made in advancing women's leadership. Kenya has demonstrated a parallel commitment to gender parity with notable leaders such as Chief Justice Hon. Martha Koome, the Deputy Chief Justice, Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu, Chief Registrar, Hon. Winfrida Boyani Mokaya and Attorney General, Hon. Dorcas Oduor. All of whom are women in top leadership positions within our judicial and legal frameworks. Their leadership reinforces that gender equality in governance is not merely an aspiration, but a tangible reality that Kenya continues to actively pursue. The conference featured several distinguished speakers, including Ambassador Gertrude Mongella of Tanzania and Dr. Louisa Akaiso, the founder of Women Win Africa, who co-hosted the event with me. These distinguished leaders shared invaluable insights on the challenges that women face in leadership roles, emphasizing the urgent need for greater female representation at all levels of decision-making. Among them was also Aya Chebbi, the Great Tunisian Pan-African. This conference was not just a platform for dialogue; it was a call to action. A key outcome was the recognition of the critical need for more women on the ballot. Female under-representation in elected positions remains a crucial barrier to the achievement of gender parity in governance. To address this, the Women at the Ballot campaign was launched as an initiative to equip women with the necessary resources, tools and support to run for office, win, and lead effectively. The conference also emphasized the need for increased female participation in appointive positions. Despite progress, women remain under-represented in key decision- making roles, which limits their ability to achieve truly inclusive governance. Gender equality in leadership is not just a matter of justice; it is essential for the long-term prosperity and sustainable development of our nation and continent. I call on my fellow Senators and leaders to support these efforts with determination and urgency. We must ensure that women are empowered not only on the ballot, but also within the corridors of power. Let us take bold actions to remove barriers that hinder women's advancement and create a future where leadership truly reflects the full diversity of our society."
}