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{
    "id": 859759,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/859759/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 336,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kisii CWR, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Ms.) Janet Ong’era",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13117,
        "legal_name": "Janet Ongera",
        "slug": "janet-ongera"
    },
    "content": "equal breath, I also take the opportunity to congratulate and commend the Seconder of the Bill, Hon. John Mbadi, the Leader of the Minority Party, for seconding it and for being consistent in the support of women leadership in this country. This is a historic Bill. Let me also congratulate all my brothers in this House for consistently supporting the course of the Bill. In equal breath, let me congratulate my sisters, particularly the leadership of KEWOPA, for standing out and going out of their way to support this Bill. I also congratulate all the female Members of this great House for their unity and solidarity on this issue. We have been told that this Bill is not about women. It is a Bill that attempts to narrow the gender parity in the leadership of Parliament in this country. It is a Bill that brings affirmative question closer to our hearts. The women at the grassroots, the widows, persons with disability and the women who are in the various professional fields like trade unions will be given an opportunity to come to the table of political leadership and have them participate in this Parliament. Therefore, there is need for us through equity, tolerance, peace and through our understanding as Members of Parliament to give these women an opportunity to participate. Why do I say this? I say this with great passion because I am a child who came to this political leadership through nomination, I was not anybody’s slay queen. Kenya knows that. Kenya knows what I did for my political party in order for me to come to this Parliament. Many women who are nominated are nominated because of the excellent work that they have done - their commitment and their dedication to the political course of their political parties that they believe in. Had I not been given that chance to be nominated as a senator I, perhaps, would not have been elected as a woman leader. I am very happy that through that chance, I have been able to effectively participate and now I am an elected woman leader. Who knows what I will be tomorrow? I could be the President of this country. I could become the Prime Minister of this country when we amend this Constitution. Therefore, there is need for us to give our women opportunities so that they are able to contribute effectively in the political leadership of Kenya. Kenya has been a shining example. We have been shining in the field of tourism and lately in the field of tolerance and peace. This is epitomised by the golden handshake that none other than the President and Hon. Raila Odinga came together to bring peace. Why can we also not be shining in the field of women participation in leadership by inclusivity? We do not want to hear that Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Ethiopia are leading when we know that Kenya is a shining example in many fields and it can lead in women inclusivity and participation. Finally, issues that have been raised are of concern– that there is need to have a criteria on how we will nominate women. I can tell you that if nobody brings that Bill to the House, I will be the first one to bring it here. It will show a criterion of nominating women from political parties based on the principle of proportionate party representation."
}