Marefuoe Alice Muso

"I must be honest and tell you that as much as we have made some progress in addressing gender issues, I will be much happier if next time we celebrate the African Women’s Month we would all be speaking the same gender language."

"Women continue to be compelled to wear a mourning cloth in the event their husbands or children die, with very strict rules preventing them from actively participating in economic and social activities."

"Yet men are not subjected to these outrageous norms and traditions because they know how oppressive such practices are."

"For instance, it is heartbreaking that in the 21st century, children born out of wedlock are still discriminated by their families. This practice is deeply hurtful to women."

"I dream of a country where women will be taking a leading role in the business, social and economic sectors and even having a female prime minister. That is very possible."

"A female premier can only become a reality if women start supporting each other and taking charge of their lives and their families. Women also need to stop pulling each other down to ensure progress."

"Our ministry has initiated programmes to empower women in terms of business training to ensure they are skilled before venturing into entrepreneurial activities."

"However, we have not yet reached a stage where we can financially support business entities owned and run by women."