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{
    "id": 683734,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/683734/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 126,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Odhiambo-Mabona",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 376,
        "legal_name": "Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona",
        "slug": "millie-odhiambo-mabona"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to speak to this Bill. First of all, I am very happy to be back home. I have been away at the Pan-African Parliament for a while. Last week, I was privileged to observe the elections in Zambia. Even as I support this Bill, I want to say that if there is something that is wonderful and we can emulate from Zambia, not necessarily from the elections, it is the fact that they are largely united along ethnic lines. Issues of elections do not divide them as much as it does here. What I want to say in regard to this law is that it is fairly straightforward. Even as we repeal it because we have a legislative framework in place, I urge that we ensure we implement the laws that are there. This is especially on the inclusion of women in our armed forces. Recently, I was in Uganda talking to the new Parliament. I was training the women parliamentarians in Uganda and one of the things that came up is that the Ugandan legislature has the defence forces represented in Parliament. They were sharing that many women in practice are still excluded in the armed forces. It is a fact here. We know there are women who were excluded because they were suspected to be pregnant. I know they can be given other roles in the armed forces. We should not penalise motherhood, especially in certain professions. Finally, I just want to thank you for acknowledging the students visiting from the USA. They are also linked to Mbita. They come from Mbita, specifically from Rusinga Island. They have a heritage there. I am glad they are visiting our country and you have acknowledged them. Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I support."
}