adminWhinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwean legislature has made history by being the first in Africa to allow women to bring their babies to Parliament. On Wednesday, MDC legislator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga presented a cake to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, as a token of appreciation for providing a room for mothers to breastfeed their babies during parliamentary sessions.
Misihairabwi-Mushonga said she was thanking Mudenda for fighting for women’s rights.
“In our culture, when something good happens, you’ve to say thank you. On behalf of the mothers that have babies, we just want to give you a token of appreciation for providing us with a room where babies are going to be breastfed. If you could allow me Mr Speaker Sir, just to present to you our token of appreciation,” she said.
Misihairabwi-Mushonga said three babies, including hers would immediately start coming to parliament. “You will be happy to know that the babies that’ve been born at the time that you have made this decision are three. Interestingly, they are all coming from the three political parties that are represented in the House.
“We shall be framing the babies’ pictures and give them to you, so that you will always be remembered even when you are no longer Speaker. I thank you,” she said.
Misihairabwi-Mushonga said Zimbabwe was the first country in Africa to give such consideration to breastfeeding mothers.
She said Mudenda therefore scored a first as a Speaker.
“Such consideration came after the Speaker understood me when I brought my baby into Parliament last December. He was touched by the move and understood my reasons thereby pushing that women be allowed to bring in their babies at all times.
“He has allocated a room which we are already using but has promised to create a good nursery which is baby friendly soon,” she said.
Mudenda said: “On behalf of the August House, we would like to thank our mothers for the token of appreciation and will ensure that the cake is shared.”
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