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{
    "id": 744893,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/744893/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 416,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Dr.) Nyikal",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 434,
        "legal_name": "James Nyikal",
        "slug": "james-nyikal"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I rise to support this Bill. It recognises two extremely important factors in the life of any nation. One is the role of child bearing and child rearing of a mother. This is such a big issue and it is often ignored. People do not realise why, in many instances and even in politics, women do not go into many occupations, including politics because they value their role of child rearing. We should recognise this in a law that women are supported to look after the children while they are doing other jobs which is extremely important. In fact, it will increase the productivity of women as employees. Some people may think that if you undertake all this, it will increase the cost of production. I am convinced that the productivity that will increase through this process will far outweigh the cost that will be put there. I think that is a good thing. Many times, women will tell you that if I am doing this at the risk of the life of my baby, I will not do it. So, I think this is an extremely important recognition. The other one is the health of a baby and the importance in the development of the human being. The first two years of life are extremely important in the growth of human beings and breastfeeding is such an integral part of this and without it, people may actually survive and grow, but not meet their natural potential in life. Breastmilk is not only for nutrition but it actually has what we would call medicinal values. It protects children and helps them recover from illnesses. It is particularly important in the development of the brain. In fact, in environments where there is no much food and there is malnutrition, just breastfeeding alone will ensure proper development of the baby. I support the Bill for bringing these issues and helping mothers who go to work take care of their babies in an environment that is healthy. There is the issue of the lactation place. Honourable members have indicated that probably it is too prescriptive on what should be in the lactation place. This is a health requirement. When babies are going to be fed, there are things that are necessary and I think the list that is indicated here is a bare minimum that must appear in law. If you leave it to the employers to say that they have put a place, people will just get a small area and tell the mothers to go and breastfeed their babies there. That is not the essence. The essence is to make sure that the baby is fed in the most appropriate and healthy situation. Clause 4(3)(b) goes further to say: ―Provide appropriate programmes that develop a baby’s cognitive, emotional, social and language abilities‖. All the time, babies are developing, minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. What they see, experience or play with is important in their development. So, this is not just another corner that is going to be put in working areas so that the requirements of the law are met. It is important that it is recognised. I also like the indication that there should be a play area. I think we should move towards even getting a play area. We should also think about who looks after the baby after it is breastfed and the mother goes back to work. I think we should look at adequate provision for caretakers to be there and it is not too expensive, if you look at the development of the baby. People tend to think that babies and children belong to the parents. That is not true. I think babies and children are the greatest national assets to which the nation and any institution must contribute to. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}