World women MPs want key leadership positions

By Henry Sekanjako

World women MPs attending the 126th Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Kampala are calling for equal representation in key leadership positions saying most of the influential positions are taken over by men.

Speaking during a debate on women in politics at Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala over the weekend, the women delegates said there was need to have women appointed in key ministerial posts such as defense, finance, and health among other crucial positions to influence the development of their respective countries.

“Women are mindful of the welfare and peace of the people so we need to push for more women leaders both nationally and globally,” said Monica Green, a Swedish legislator.

According to a recent report by the IPU, women had only been given priority on issues to do with social affairs, family, children, youth elderly, and women affairs, leaving out other sectors that women can ably manage.

The women expressed concern that most of the influential positions at both national and local government levels are being dominated by men at the expense of women who equally have the skills and capability to run these offices.

“We need to have women in important positions. This is the only way women issues can be promoted both at Parliament and national level. If women don’t participate in decision making, they will never realize equality,” noted a woman delegate from the Japanese Parliament.

The women MPs demanded that respective governments ensure equal representation in key leadership positions of both men and women at all levels to avoid marginalization of the women in social, economic, and political development of different countries.

The MPs said countries such as Saudi Arabia that do not ensure women are represented should be penalized.  

Meanwhile, the chairperson Uganda Women Parliamentary association (UWOPA), Betty Amongi who was chairing the session blamed the poor women representation in key leadership positions more so in African countries to the belief where men are regarded as heads in everything.

“We need to change this culture. Times have changed for women to take control of everything,” Amongi said.