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{
    "id": 902492,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/902492/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 317,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Rev.) Waqo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13178,
        "legal_name": "Naomi Jilo Waqo",
        "slug": "naomi-jilo-waqo"
    },
    "content": "belongs to all Kenyans and it is not the positions that women hold that have become a burden to this nation. It is as a result of our poor planning that we are in the mess we are in today. The Constitution has gone into detail to talk about equality and freedom from discrimination, not only for women, but also the youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the other communities. Globally, women are still under-represented. As of October, 2017, out of the 193 United Nations (UN) countries, 11 had a woman serving as head of state and 12 had a woman as head of government (UN, 2017). Within parliaments, only the Nordic come close to equal representation, with women making up to 41 of their single house parliaments. In all other regions, less than three out of 10 parliamentarians are women; 28.5 in Americas, 26 in Europe, excluding Nordic countries; 24 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa, 19 per cent in Asia, 18 per cent in the Pacific and 17.5 per cent in the Arab States. In Africa, Rwanda has the highest number of women in parliament. That is why, in my view, they are performing very well. They have brought total transformation to leadership in that country and they are growing very fast. The total number of women in legislatures now stands at 61.2 per cent. Where are we in terms of representation? In the Kenyan Parliament, the current Senate has a representation of 23.32 per cent. The National Assembly has a representation of about 21.84 per cent. The total percentage of female Members of Parliament is only 21 per cent. The majority of the counties have women leaders who are nominated, with very few elected. Why do we need more women to take up leadership roles? Women participate in influencing legislative business and eventually affect sectors such as education, health, security and etcetera . As caregivers of their families, women have a greater influence on gender-based budgeting. The health of a newborn child, for example, is best understood by a woman. Women through policies influence and affect the survival of communities. Participating in leadership positions in national, parliamentary and county assemblies, the devolved system of government has provided a perfect opportunity for women leaders to interact at the grassroots level. Consequently, women leaders are able to solve basic problems facing communities. They are role models for the young women and girls. How and why should we achieve the one third gender rule? The Parliament of Kenya was expected to have ensured that provisions on Affirmative Action were met by 27th August, 2015. To date, no law has been passed by Parliament. It is worth noting that the Constitution did not state how appointment or election of women to positions would be achieved. Countries around the world have improved representation through various methods that fit their context including – (1) Gender quotas such as voluntary party quotas and reserved seats. (2) Political party policies that allow for representation by women. (3) Building networks that assist women in succeeding in the electoral process. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}