WILMER JOEL
President Hilda Heine called for women across the country to take action in strengthening families and communities during the opening of International Women’s Day in the Jenrok gymnasium last weekend, which featured the formal ceremony, displays from various booths, prizes, games, and other activities.
“As we commemorate this important event, let us pledge ourselves for a brighter future,” said President Heine. “A future where all women and girls can benefit from an education, have access to health opportunities, and open the way for leadership.”
Heine added that this future must include legislation and procedures that will help women succeed and not fall behind. The president outlined the contributions her administration has made to the advancement and empowerment of women by providing funds and increasing initiatives to increase access to technical, business, leadership, vocational, fishing, and engineering opportunities.
“As your first female president, I look forward to more female presidents in the future,” said Heine. The president urged the men and boys to stand with their female counterparts, stating that “they are your partners, they are your champions” towards equality.
Lerooj Nella Chutaro, who delivered her address on behalf of the Council of Irooj, said that Marshallese women are unique “because the islands belong to them.”
Majuro Mayor Ladie Jack announced that his administration is working on a project to create a sanctuary for women affected by domestic violence.
“When it comes to women, the Majuro Atoll Local Government supports your initiatives,” he said. “Women are our mother forever, peacemakers, caretakers, destroyers of families, and matriarchs.”
The Journal was told by Miss Marshall Islands Claret Chong Gum that learning more about culture is one way to be a successful Marshallese woman.
“Our culture, our ways of life, our ways of living, the things we do and the way we act, the way we say things, all stem from our culture,” she said. “In our culture, sometimes as young women, or women in general, it’s very hard for us to be able to voice our opinions. But I think that it’s very important for young people to break the norm and try to voice their concerns, but do it in a way that’s respectful to our elders and to our cultures.”
President Heine told the Journal that the key for Marshallese women to be successful “lies in how hard they work,” which she says is a crucial trait for the next female president of the Marshall Islands to have to maintain the integrity and uphold this high office.