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{
    "id": 813706,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/813706/?format=api",
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    "content": "impact of ICT on women; a global network including sometimes misrepresentation of women leaders which also happens to male leaders and also techniques and strategies on how to deal with that were shared. Another important component was the issue of climate change that affects the whole world but the emphasis is that this is an area which also affects women. Therefore the forum encouraged women to approach issues of climate change with a lot of discernment and interest so that this is primarily addressed in a conclusive manner. The issue of women economic empowerment was also critical. There was a session on how to ensure that you are able to be grounded financially so that you can stand up and seek for election as a woman leader. There was also the issue of cultural bias and stereotyping that has been there for a very long time and it continues to be there. It was identified as one of the things that have for a long time brought down the level of leadership that is expected of the women. Women were encouraged to stand up and be counted. It is time for the women to be heard and listened to. The theme of the Summit was ‘It is About Time. A Hundred Reasons to Act’ It was a call to action and, therefore, rather than talking about it, when all these issues and discussions have been put across from time to time, it was a point to call to action. Madam Temporary Speaker, one of the key aspects that came out from this Summit was the issue of leadership, especially in terms of mentorship; the whole idea of mentoring young girls. At that meeting, we had several young girls from various nations mingling with the women leaders so that they get a nexus for this. The programme is called ‘Girl2 Leader - Lead like a Girl.’ The young girls also had a chance to talk about the promises they had for themselves as leaders as well as to talk about their challenges. What was also very motivating was the award giving ceremony for people and specific leaders who have done very well in their different sectors. There was a lot of celebration, coming together and ensuring that all these issues have been addressed in a very systematic way. Madam Temporary Speaker, I want to focus briefly on the policy focus sessions because they were very crucial. They included looking at the benefits of a gender sensitive parliament because at the end of the day, gender perspectives are important. When you listen to only half of what is being said, the thinking and the mind-set is very different. Therefore, when you listen to both sides, you are more likely to better see and solve a problem. Issues of gender budgeting also came up, for example, to ensure that at the end of the day, there were enough partners in economic empowerment for the women. Issues of health were also put to the fore and they are very critical for us. As a delegation, we made various observations which we thought were very key that even as we come back to our countries, we can make these our working points and hinge even our own challenges as women leaders in this country and proceed to make it even better. One of these observations was that the gender economic gap and working conditions of women in the formal and informal sectors need to be addressed. Together with that was the issue of wage differentials which have not yet become equalized and the need to ensure that it is equal pay for equal work done for both men and women. 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."
}