By Hon Agnes Kunihira Abwoli Female Workers MP.
Women from different trade unions have been equipped with skills in production of different economic products so as to improve performance ,increase on specialized income generating activities among women and improve the livelihoods in the labour movement
My major focus has been to engage women in the labour movement in activities that benefit them. It is under this objective that managed to mobilize and empowered women to become economically self- reliant.We have conducted targeted skills training for women so as to equip them with skills to start, effectively manage and sustain their enterprises.’
Gender mainstreaming in legislation
In 1995, gender mainstreaming was established in the Beijing Platform for Action as an internationally agreed strategy for promoting gender equality. Since then, the achievement of equality between women and men has become a major objective and integral part of the international development agenda.
It is a strategy for making women and men’s concerns and experiences an integral element in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs in all political, economic and societal spheres. The strategy ensures both women and men benefit equally and inequality is not perpetuated.” Following the above definition, national Parliaments are well placed to champion the objective of gender equality and promote gender mainstreaming in government. Parliaments aim to reflect society; hence they must reflect the changing dynamics of their electorates.
A gender-sensitive Parliament is a Parliament that responds to the needs and interests of both women and men. For example, gender-sensitive Parliaments can contribute to removing the barriers to women’s full participation in society, and empower both women and men to shape their own lives and make decisions. The legislative process is a vital entry point for gender mainstreaming.
Legislation has a direct and tangible impact on the lives of citizens, and reflects in the most direct manner on the needs and priorities of various constituencies.
The legislative process creates a platform for dialogue on issues that matter most in society and may foster the expression of multiple voices and perspectives. Thus, the legislative process presents an effective vehicle for the promotion of gender equality values and principles.
Equality in the workplace
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2015, the participation of both women and men in the labour force is an important social and development goal.
However, marked inequality in the workplaces still persists between the two genders. Two major factors account for women’s low labour force participation. Firstly, fertility significantly affects female labour force participation, because, each birth on average decreases women’s labour supply by almost two years during a woman’s reproductive life.
Gender-based legal restrictions in terms of weak or restrictive laws related to family, gender-based violence, and economic opportunities that are most likely to impede women’s empowerment. Educational attainment, together with maternity leave and child benefits policies for women are positively correlated with female participation in the labour force. Moreover, better access to comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality childcare frees up women’s time for formal employment.
Women in leadership positions (like Parliamentarians) may also increase female labour force participation by providing role models for other women, and by combating stereotypes.
Also, women Parliamentarians can significantly change public attitudes towards women and, most importantly, raise the aspirations parents have for their daughters and the aspirations teenage girls have for themselves.
We have had challenges in social protection where women are considered secondary, and employers deliberately fail to consider promoting them into leadership and decision making positions regards of their skills, professional background and capability compared to their male counterparts
We work closely with likeminded organizations to build coalition for advocacy, capacity building and lobbying for certain policy change and also identify key policy issues that affect the economic empowerment of women and engage key stakeholders to advocate for gender friendly policies
Without the active participation of women and the incorporation of women’s perspective at all decision making, the goal of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved
We are imploring government to enact and implement policies that provide for child care in all work places both formal and informal sector. This will assure working women not to worry about the welfare of their children hence increased productivity■
