view from the CPA chairPERSON
WOMEN LEGISLATORS
View from the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee Women Members of Parliament are demonstrating their leadership in all spheres of social, economic and political development. They are actively taking part in the decision-making process, in legislating laws, in speaking out for upholding women’s and children’s rights and in the formulation of policies. Evidence shows women’s political leadership has contributed to development of social policy; helped in solving problems through their special traits, “It is indeed a great honour for me to join the expertise and experience; enhanced delivery of social National Women’s Legislators Conference in services; improved working conditions in the health New Delhi, India, the first of its kind organized sector; in educating children, particularly girls; and in to bring together Honourable women Members Hon. Dr Shirin Sharmin the prevention of violence etc. The fact that women of Parliament and women Members of State Chaudhury, MP, Chairperson Parliamentarians have made huge differences through Legislatures from all over India to celebrate their of the CPA Executive their role is apparent in many parts of the world. In role in nation building. Women Legislators: Committee and Speaker of Rwanda, women’s experience as mothers has been Building Resurgent India aims to focus on the Bangladesh Parliament. central not just to their motivation, but also their the potential of women legislators to effectuate performance as Parliamentarians. positive strides in the socio-economic development of their nation as As a Member of Parliament in Rwanda states: “We are mothers agents of change. ...and mothers are characterized by tenderness, love and care towards It gives me a great deal of pride and a very special sense of their children. Women in Parliament act according to this nature and empowerment just to be able to be present in this hall and to take part thus ‘the more women in Parliament, the better it is for children.’”2 in this unique event with women Members of Parliament and women Members of State Legislators of India. Motherhood prepared women Parliamentarians to better I would like to congratulate the Hon. Speaker of Lok Sabha, understand, analyse and act on the problems of children. Women Her Excellency Sumitra Mahajan, for organizing this conference in have a natural tendency to care for children and this is an asset for celebrating the upcoming International Women’s Day. I would like to legislators. Women Parliamentarians are role models to children and congratulate and extend my warm felicitation to the distinguished to girls. Women Parliamentarians in many parts of the globe have been panelists, Dr. Najma Heptullah and Sushma Swaraj who are icons of able to effectuate a major breakthrough in perception and mindset. women at the high echelons of the political arena and to everyone “There is a change in people’s thinking pattern. Women now play an present here this afternoon. active role in leadership as people are starting to accept them - Women The presence of women Members of Parliament demonstrates as capable.”3 ‘Women’s Power’ - their power as effective representatives of social Women legislators have also made an impact in policy outcomes change, echoing the voices of women in the corridors of power. We related to children. Women Parliamentarians have made significant gather here today in this unique platform at a time when “women hold achievements for children, women and family legislation, gender up half the sky.”1 sensitive budgeting etc. What women legislators can do: Each one of us stand here with our inner strength, dignity and • They can help other women develop their political skills. They courage inherent in every women that radiates a beacon of powerful can help in removing the obstacles to facilitate more women light penetrating darkness. Women legislators can play a catalyst to be elected directly through the election process. They can role as change-makers in the development process within their help them raise funds for women candidates, broaden its communities, societies and nations. membership base, expand networks, and take joint initiatives to South Asia always takes pride in women’s political leadership. This strengthen their capacity to teach and train candidates. region has had the proud privilege to have women leaders as Heads of • They can help other women acquire the tools necessary for Government, Heads of State and Speakers of Parliament. At present political participation to create their own space and firm base. Bangladesh demonstrates women’s leadership with the Hon. Prime • They can create opportunities for women around them from Minister, Sheikh Hasina; the Leader of the Opposition, Rowshan different backgrounds to converge and to achieve the common Ershad and the Speaker of Parliament. goals that contribute to the well-being of their societies. India has had women Prime Ministers including the late Indira • They can work together through women’s caucuses to improve Gandhi, a woman President and two female Speakers. At present, the the overall living conditions of people, particularly of women, Speaker in Nepal is a woman. Sri Lanka has had women as both Prime to give them better bargaining capacity to bring substantial Minister and President. This reinforces our commitment to contribute to changes in their lives and to transform their communities. nation building. Speech by Hon. Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, MP, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament at the inaugural Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India Conference in New Delhi, India which took place in March 2016
94 | The Parliamentarian | 2016: Issue Two