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{
    "id": 600702,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/600702/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 275,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Lesuuda",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13122,
        "legal_name": "Naisula Lesuuda",
        "slug": "naisula-lesuuda"
    },
    "content": "Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise to also contribute to this very important Motion. I have not risen because I am a woman, but because I am a strong believer of gender equality, not just in this country but in the whole world. I also thank and congratulate you for tabling this Motion as our Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) Chairperson. For those who do not know, KEWOSA is an association that brings us together as women Senators. Thank you very much for taking that up. I remember we had the privilege of having a meeting with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Kenya. I also thank our Speaker for following up and ensuring that we did not just meet, but also discuss substantial issues in this House. This is a very important Motion because it comes at a time when, as a country, we have been grappling with the issue of the two-thirds gender rule, which will be discussed in the National Assembly and finally in this House. Madam Temporary Speaker, it is important for us to note and salute all the women who have done enormous work to ensure that we appreciate and celebrate some of the great achievements in the country. We have a Constitution which allows women to sit in this House and be included in other sectors and bodies. We should remember women who fought for this cause before us. It would be unfortunate if we do not give credit, remember and thank them for standing during very difficult times then. If it is still difficult for us in the 21st Century, how difficult was it for the women who worked very hard and ensured that they did not remove the ladder once they got up? They left the ladder intact so that we continue to climb. That is what we, who have enjoyed the fruits of the struggle should do to make sure that we do not remove the ladder, so that other women and our young girls continue to achieve their full potential. Madam Temporary Speaker, we also cannot forget to thank the many men who support this movement. We have colleagues who did not leave the Chamber in the thought that this is a matter concerning women. They have sat and contributed. We hope that when the relevant Bill comes to this House, they will also contribute and vote in its favour. Like my colleagues have said, this issue has not started now. It is something that we see in our different communities. It is something to do with our culture. Culture has made us who we are. However, we should keep only what is good. Communities should agree that time is ripe for us to put aside cultures that discriminate and hinder the growth of one gender so that both genders in our communities move forward. One issue that plays a key role - I have said this many times - is education. Education is very important for us. It opens up our minds and worldview, so much for us to believe that gender equality is something that is important for all of us. Education also gives us choices on whether we want to be in leadership positions or not and many other The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}