In August 2019, Kenyan MP Hon. Zuleikha Hassan made global headlines when she walked into Parliament with her 5-month-old daughter, sparking a powerful conversation about workplace support for working mothers. We revisit that defining moment through this unpublished interview, a conversation that remains urgent as we continue to demand more inclusive, gender-responsive workplaces across Africa.
Hon. Zuleikha, a 7-year-term MP, has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Her bold move in 2019 was a testament to her commitment to creating change.
Q: Tell us your side of the story, Hon. Zuleikha.
The lack of a nursery or support for working mothers in Parliament has long been a concern. Though the Parliamentary Service Commission approved such a facility in 2013, nothing had materialised by 2019. In frustration, I told myself, “Enough is enough. If Parliament won’t act, I will bring my baby into the chamber.” That moment wasn’t just about me — it was for future women MPs and all working mothers in Kenya.
I had cold feet, but I also knew this was my moment. I prayed, planned carefully to avoid being stopped at the entrance, and made peace with any consequences. I’ve served in Parliament for 7 years. This time, I refused to miss work because of a failure in system support.
Q: Was it a protest? Yes. Was it also an emergency?
Yes. I’ve made countless compromises before. But this time, I had the platform to make a statement — and I used it.
Q: Why were you ejected?
Our standing orders only permit MPs and select staff in chambers — everyone else is classified as a “stranger.” That included my daughter.
Q: What was your reaction?
I was prepared for the ejection but surprised I wasn’t allowed to explain myself — something routinely afforded to MPs in disciplinary situations.
Q: How did colleagues react?
Mixed. Some misunderstood the point. A few older women thought it was an embarrassment. But the majority — including many men — expressed strong support.
Q: What about the policy on creating a creche?
In 2013, Parliament passed an internal policy to provide nursing rooms. Yet, six years later, there was no implementation. That inaction was part of what drove my decision.
Q: What support did you receive from gender-based organisations
Tremendous public, media, and verbal support. What’s needed now is amplification. Policymakers must see the evidence: supporting breastfeeding is not a luxury, it’s a human right and smart economics. Every 1 dollar invested in workplace breastfeeding support returns 35 dollars. Providing nurseries boosts productivity, retention, and well-being.
Q: Would you support an African or global movement around this issue?
Absolutely. The global reaction to my story shows this is not just a Kenyan problem — it’s a global one.
Q: So, was it a protest or necessity?
Both. Emergencies happen to working parents all the time. I decided: I won’t miss work. If there’s no nursery, I’ll go in with her. No woman should have to choose between her baby and her job.
Q: What’s the bigger message here?
Women shouldn’t need to justify wanting to be close to their babies. Babies are not abhorrent. Motherhood is not shameful — not even in the halls of power. We lose 800,000 babies annually due to lack of proper breastfeeding. Many mothers have told me their babies stopped breastfeeding when they returned to work. This must change.
My act was a protest — but more than that, it was love, duty, and a demand for dignity. No woman should have to justify wanting to be close to her baby.
– Hon. Zuleikha Hassan
This exclusive interview was conducted by Dada Iyanuloluwa and edited by Mary Ikoku, Editor-in-Chief of Working Moms Africa Magazine
