Hon Deputy Speaker, the month of August marks the celebration of Women's Month with the women's parliament having taken place this week. The month represents an opportunity for our country to mark the great strides that women have taken and continue to take in the quest for women empowerment and gender equality.
Despite it being Women's Month, there are instances where women in public office are undermined because of their strong leadership. When men display the same trend in leading others, they are praised for their efforts and many are encouraged to emulate them. When a woman shows the very same trend, they are seen as bullies and muscling out others' opinions.
The perception of women in the media is also very influential, with many women leaders portrayed as incompetent and emotional without any attempts to listen to the merits of that particular leaders' stance. Women must be taken seriously at every level and not just on Women's Day or Women's Month.
We make a mockery of these milestones if nothing changes. We deal with the same issues every year. I thank you.