Report names top performing female MPs

[Kenyan]

Joyce Emanikor, Joyce Lay and Zainab Chidzuga among women lawmakers named as top performers.

Top performing female MPs have been named in a new report.

The report by Mzalendo Trust titled “Debunking Myths: Women Contributions in Kenya’s 11th Parliament”, hails the performance of the MPs.

It states that their contribution in the two Houses of Parliament is as valuable as that of their male counterparts.

The document highlights the performance of the 86 lawmakers in the 11th Parliament and attempts to disqualify claims and stereotypes that have painted them in negative light.

Specifically, the report attempts to vindicate the 47 Woman Representatives, who have faced accusations of incompetence and irrelevance.

From the coastal region, Ms Zainab Chidzuga (Kwale County Woman Representative) is hailed for being vocal on the Standard Gauge Railway and land issues, while MPs Mishi Juma Mboko (Mombasa County) and Halima Duri (Tana River County) are cited for their avid contributions on security and extra–judicial killings.

From the southeastern region, which has six Woman Reps and five elected female MPs, Ms Joyce Lay of Taita-Taveta County stood for speaking on issues of mining and the welfare of miners, while Ms Mbalu, the Kibwezi East MP, who temporarily sits in as a Deputy Speaker, is highlighted as having also made immense contributions on motions and Bills.

Ms Florence Kajuju stands out for her views on the miraa saga as well on matters of regional integration.

Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh, who temporarily sits on the Speaker’s chair, is named for being vocal while issues facing the city.

Some of the issues include security at the airport, terror attacks, house demolitions in Lang’ata estate, education, the need to improve schools, the Uwezo Fund and the welfare of students in Nairobi.

Family bills
In the northern region, Ms Joyce Emanikor of Turkana County stood out for her contributions on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines Bill, teacher shortages in Turkana, mining, Equalisation Fund, corruption, fishing micro-finance loans and youth employment.

Ms Millie Odhiambo’s star shone in western region. She sponsored two Bills - the Victim Protection Bill and the In-Vitro Fertilisation Bill.

According to drafters of the report, contributions by the female MPs who include 47 County Woman Representatives, 21 members of the National Assembly and the 18 nominated women Senators was not just centered on women’s issues, but also on socio-economic and political sphere of the society.

“An in-depth look at women parliamentarians’ contributions shows they did not solely focus on family Bills (The Marriage Bill, The Children’s Bill, The Protection against Domestic Violence Bill and

The Matrimonial Property Bill), but also contributed on security, finances, water, health, devolution, infrastructure, waste management, environmental issues and mining among others depending on either their counties, constituencies or national interest,” said Ms Jessica Musila, Mzalendo’s Executive Director.

The analysis was based on the Hansard, which is the official verbatim record of debates in Parliament. The report covers the period between March 2013, when the 11th Parliament had its first sitting to 30th June 2015.

Ms Musila said findings presented in the report disprove biases, stereotypes and accusations against the leaders by showcasing their actual contributions.

“The report shows that they are avid contributors to debates in both the Senate and in the National Assembly. The objective of these insights is to instil a sense of confidence in the ability of women to successfully undertake leadership positions in politics both now and in the future,” said the official.

daily nation