Dear Editor,

I write to express support for the views already expressed on this topic. In my view, it would be totally patronisng to reserve an x number of seats for women in Parliament. The message it is essentially sending is "okey, you lot are not able to make it on your own, so we will give you these number of seats to make you happy." Totally demeaning, if you ask me!

What is needed are major cultural and social shifts in thinking, attitudes and behaviour within communities and social groups so that the democratic pocesses of campaigning, voting and representation can be implemented smoothly and at the right levels of integrity. It is not only men /boys who need to change attitudes but everyone, including in particular us women/girls ourselves who need to step up and aspire to be politicians, be confident and also work hard to give ourselves the best possible chances of being elected to Parliament or any other public office.