Saturday, October 11, 2003
Exchange between ministers was in bad taste
My concern is with Ms Karua because I expect women leaders to behave in a dignified manner and prove that we are better than men in handling issues.
Women leaders should be seen as above the instinctive actions men are known for.
As mothers of a nation, they should set good examples to children and society at large.
Ms Karua's action cuts her out as one who cannot settle disputes peacefully. She is taking the path of men � violence � which our society seeks to eliminate. Her behaviour could be misinterpreted to mean that women are rejecting the "olive branch" in a struggle seeking women�s representation in all decision-making positions in society.
Women have a special role in advocating peaceful settlement of conflicts.
In his letter to the 1995 United Nations Women�s Conference in Beijing, Pope John Paul II appealed to international institutions to "make every effort to ensure that women regain full respect for their dignity and role � as mothers."
The world is striving to protect and uphold women's dignity.
Pope John Paul II regrets that the world "which owes its survival to the gift of motherhood, often penalised women" and calls for more to be done "to prevent discrimination against those who have chosen to be wives and mothers." It is against these considerations that we, women must always think twice before we act, for the sake of our children, husbands, brothers and sisters.
Boni Kazungu
NAIROBI.
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