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"id": 237730,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Kagwe",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Information and Communications",
"speaker": {
"id": 229,
"legal_name": "Mutahi Kagwe",
"slug": "mutahi-kagwe"
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"content": " Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to support this Motion and point out that there are a number of institutional issues that 3210 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES October 26, 2006 need to be addressed if we really want to have a situation in this country where women and men are treated in a humane and equal manner. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, media falls under my Ministry. I would like to address aspects of media where there is a clear need for change with regard to women issues. If you listen to the FM stations in the morning, you will not be pleased with the way they handle gender issues, particularly when they are discussing matters to do with women. They are actually insulting to women, but I am surprised that women do not take that into consideration. In fact, I challenge women to be also proactive in complaining when there is an issue that touches on them negatively. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, sometimes FM stations, in the morning, discuss what sort of women men would like. They go to the extent of discussing what kind of breasts, behinds and legs men would like in women. One almost feels that one is in an auction where women are being treated like objects. So, it is good that we address the issue of stereotyping in gender representation. However, I want to urge that as we speak about women and the girl child, let us not also forget to talk about the boy child. This is because what is currently happening is that our sons have already been declared guilty. All that is talked about is how men oppress women. The importance of the girl child has been so much highlighted to the extent that the boy child is walking guilty and feeling as if it is a mistake to be born a boy. This is a psychological thing that we need to address. Actually, it is within the gender discussion and framework. Our boys are not guilty of being boys. They should be treated the same way as girls. When we talk about empowering the girl child, it is important that we empower both sex. If you empower the girl child and leave out the boy child, what you are essentially saying is that the girl child will be a very empowered individual. Therein lies the problem as far as the family unit is concerned. So, even as we address the matter of empowering the girl child, I am of the view that we must focus on strengthening the boy child by empowering him too so that he can feel as protected as the girl child. We should remove the psychological guilt that we are now imposing on our boy child. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, if you go round schools today and look at the faces of our boys, you will see faces of young boys who are not empowered. You will see faces of young boys who are looking scared. In fact, when the school choir comes forward to entertain guests, all you see are 15 girls and two boys. Hon. Members can bear me witness on this. Boys are getting more and more scared of being boys and showing themselves out. It is fair and right that we talk about the girl child and even strive to empower her to ensure that she grows into a strong woman, but it is equally important that we empower our boys. Coming back to the media, I think the media has got to be politically correct when it reports its news. It is important for the media to be politically correct gender wise. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir even in the award of bursaries, I totally agree that we should give the girl child priority. But when it comes to orphans, there is no difference between a girl orphan and a boy orphan. An orphan is an orphan. Girl and boy orphans should be given equal opportunity. We should ensure that there is equality. It is also good to remember that gender does not mean a woman. Gender requires that both sexes be treated equally. Therefore, I want to say that when it comes to elections and mainstreaming gender in the political field, women must take a very strong position. They should play leading roles in our local authorities and schools. You will all agree with me that women must come forward. It is very difficult to look for people who have not come forward. In empowering women, we need to carry out civic education that empowers women to stand for positions. With those few remarks, I beg to support."
}