Women are not second class citizens, Obama

Women and girls are not second class citizens and must be treated with respect and given equal opportunities.

This is the message to Kenya by U.S. President Barack Obama when he addressed the nation Sunday at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

President Obama said the culture of denying women and girls equal opportunities in education, business and investments is long gone.

He said that any state that fails to empower women and educate girls is doomed to fail adding that it is like having a team and saying only half the members should play.

“It is stupid, it makes no sense,” said Obama.

“There is a tradition of treating women differently, just because something is part of a tradition, it doesn’t make it right, it holds you back,” added Obama.

“No country can reach its full potential unless it draws on the talents of all people including women and girls.”

Obama emphasized on the need for education of the girl child, saying communities that give the same opportunity to men and women are more likely to succeed and are more peaceful.

“Give girls an education. She will grow up, become a mother and is more likely to produce educated children.”

The American President noted that there is no place in civilised society for early and forced marriages.

“There is no reason for Female Genital Mutilation,” said Obama. “There is no excuse for sexual abuse.”