Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 976058,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/976058/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 102,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kihika",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13216,
        "legal_name": "Susan Wakarura Kihika",
        "slug": "susan-wakarura-kihika"
    },
    "content": "IPU, 50/50 should be the ultimate goal and the norm, everywhere. Today, Rwanda and Bolivia have reached the top of the IPU ranking of women in parliament through laws on affirmative action that have allowed them to achieve gender parity. Others have followed suit, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mexico. Mr. Speaker Sir, out of the top 20 countries with the largest share of women in Parliament in 2020, 16 apply some form of gender quota. In these countries, gender quotas have often formed part of comprehensive reforms to advance gender equality in politics and in society. Political will is required to enact ambitious quotas. However, for them to bear fruits, we must also incentivise political parties to recruit women, ensure equal access to resources and media coverage during campaigns; build a more gender- sensitive political culture, support civil society efforts to empower women and girls; and remove all societal, economic and legal barriers to women’s full autonomy. Mr. Speaker Sir, progress has been achieved in every corner of the globe through decisive action by political leaders, men and women alike. Everywhere, male Speakers have paved the way for women to lead, and women Speakers have served as spectacular role models for other women. Gender equality is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, national parliaments should lead the way by becoming fully gender sensitive institutions where women and men share responsibilities, and where there is a culture of zero tolerance towards sexism, harassment and violence against women, in line with the IPU guidelines on this matter. Parliaments must be gender-sensitive, inclusive and family- friendly workplaces. Mr. Speaker Sir, I take this opportunity to urge all hon. Senators to walk the talk and aim to achieve gender parity by 2030. I also take this opportunity to invite all of you to a Pre-International Women’s Day breakfast meeting tomorrow, 5th March, 2020, at 7.30 a.m, in the New Restaurant, New Wing, Main Parliament Buildings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir."
}