FSM Women Action Network Holds Women-in-Politics Dialogue

Press Release #0809-28
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
August 21, 2009

On Tuesday, August 18, 2009, the FSM Women Action Network (WAN) began a three day dialogue on Women-in-Politics with the theme of “Enhancing Women’s Participation in the Electoral Process through Learning and Sharing.”  The meeting was held at the Central Facilities in Palikir, Pohnpei and funded by the U.S. Department of States Pacific Islands Fund.

A group of approximately 20 women came together at the Opening plenary on Tuesday, and Master of Ceremonies, Tina Takesy, opened the meeting with a few words and an introduction of Pohnpei State Senator, Hon. Magdalena Walter, to give the opening remarks.

Senator Walter began by saying that this is the perfect time in FSM for promoting equal participation in the area of politics.  She mentioned how cultural practices can sometimes work against equal rights for women in politics, but that women’s rights, which are really human rights, call for equal access for men and women to participate in politics.  Senator Walter stated that men and women have different priorities, which are sometimes far apart, but when they work together, “the outcome is always better.”

The keynote address for the opening plenary was given by H.E. Miriam Hughes, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM.  Ambassador Hughes was scheduled to be on the plane to Yap today and was advised to decline the invitation to be the keynote speaker, but the Ambassador deemed it too important an issue and made the engagement.

Ambassador Hughes spoke of the strong leadership she sees from women leaders in the U.S. such as U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and of the recent confirmation of the first female Hispanic Chief Justice, Sonia Sotomayor of the U.S. Supreme Court.  She spoke of the women’s movement in the United States dating back to 1862 and Susan Anthony, a prominent American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the 19th century to get women in the United States and equal right to vote.  She quoted Susan Anthony in saying that “failure is impossible for us” and stated that no matter how long it takes, equal rights for women will come through if women continue to have “courage, patience, and persistence.”  Ambassador Hughes stated that there is no true democracy without equal participation in politics.

The agenda for the three days holds sessions on Gender and Politics, Gender & the FSM Electoral Process, Becoming Politically Active, Political Campaign Role Playing, and setting up the first Women-in-Politics Network (WIPNET), with the establishment of officers and the first WIPNET forum.

The outcomes of the meeting will be contained in a follow up press release.