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{
    "id": 824303,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/824303/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 310,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Samburu West, KANU",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Ms.) Naisula Lesuuda",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13122,
        "legal_name": "Naisula Lesuuda",
        "slug": "naisula-lesuuda"
    },
    "content": "culture. We know that men are the gatekeepers. They are the ones who discuss and pass laws and they are the ones who will finally say that some cultures have to be forgotten. So, it is important for us, at the policy level, to think of how to bring men on board on cultural issues like early marriages and FGM, and not just see them as enemies, so that we can overcome some of these challenges. The other issue that continues to be a great challenge is gender-based violence, mostly on our girls and women. In the rural areas, girls and women have a higher risk of GBV because of their economic status. They cannot move. They think of where they will go with the children and what they will do with their families. So, they continue to stay in those abusive relationships and marriages because they have nowhere else to run to with their families. Also, it is important to realise that GBV is meted on men. We have seen a few men recently going through GBV and it is something that we have to think about. What is causing the stress? We see the levels are going up. We have to think whether it is how we bring up our children at a very young age, so that we can look at how we can make our boys, even at a young age, to see themselves as protectors of their sisters, whether by blood or not, so that we can live in a harmonious society. It is important that we also discuss gender parity in terms of leadership positions. One of the key things that always come up in this conference is that it is important for both genders, especially women of all status, regardless of their economic power and where they come from, to sit at the table where negotiations and policies are made. If we are not at the table, then we are on the menu. We will be part of what is to be eaten. We want to be at the table involved in the discussions. We are glad that in the last elections - and it is something that we showcased at the conference - three women were elected governors, three were elected Senators and 23 as Members of the National Assembly. This is an improvement from the 16 that we had last time. We hope that as we progress, we will continue to fill the gap. I just want to mention, even for those who are nominated, it should not be seen as tokenism or just a slot that has been given. I am a product of nomination. It gives you a platform, so that you can go and compete. It is an affirmative seat. So, it is something that we have to think about. The two-thirds gender rule issue is before this House. I hope that finally in this term, we are going to pass this Bill. Since it is a constitutional issue, it is not whether we like it or not. We have to think about how to bring our women at the table in terms of leadership and appointive positions. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I second the Motion."
}