Media Release
U.S. Supports FSM Women Action Network on Women in Politics
August 19, 2009
On July 18-20, the Federated States of Micronesia Women Action Network (FSMWAN) hosted its Women-in-Politics Network (WIPNET) Dialogue at the Palikir Central Facility, FSM National Capitol. The Dialogue served as a key component of a FSMWAN gender empowerment initiative funded by the U.S. Government and spearheaded by women advocates in the FSM.
On July 18, the forum commenced with an opening plenary, prayer, and welcoming remarks by Pohnpei State Senator Magdalena Walter. United States Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes provided the keynote address, and FSMWAN Founder and CEO Tina Takashy served as Master of Ceremonies.
Participants in the WIPNET Dialogue included: FSM Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Secretary Jane Chigiyal, FSM Legislature Chief Clerk Luiana Ramon, SBOC Assistant Director for Compact Management Suzanne Lowe, Pohnpei State Legislature Representative Macy David-Anson, Kolonia Town Councilwoman Yuko Nakasone, Kolonia Town Councilwoman Justina Olter, Attorney-at-Law Marstella Jack, women’s advocate Linda Mori-Hartman, and Ginger Mida. Women Representatives from Yap, Kosrae, and Chuuk also attended the forum.
In her remarks, Ambassador Hughes integrated points from her personal experience, U.S. policy, and American history to convey the importance of empowering women. She stressed the need for a woman to “hold her own” in politics, that is, to possess the strength and courage to advocate for change, even when the odds historically may be stacked against her. While the Ambassador identified such a journey as long, she nonetheless recognized it as an “exciting and fruitful road to enter.”
To illustrate her statement, Ambassador Hughes noted the United States Senate’s recent confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, whose appointment makes her the first Hispanic justice and only the third woman justice to sit on the Nation’s highest court.
She additionally highlighted Secretary Hillary Clinton’s creation of an Ambassador-at-Large position to strengthen the State Department’s work on women’s global issues. She stressed Clinton’s statement that, “The status of women and girls is a key indicator of whether or not progress is possible in a society; the best way to improve economic and political conditions around the world is to empower more women.”
Although the United States first celebrated its independence on July 4, 1776, Ambassador Hughes described the long struggle required for women and men activists to pass the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, which became the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, giving women the right to vote.
Hughes highlighted the importance of inclusivity, explaining, “There is no true democracy without equal participation. We simply cannot solve the global problems that confront us – worldwide financial crisis, risk of climate change, chronic hunger, disease and poverty – when half of the world’s population is left behind.”
She urged participants to draw strength from the example of other women all over the world and expressed support for their “intelligent and inevitable drive for inclusivity and progress within [their] own cultural and political context.” The Ambassador’s final advice to participants was, “Do not be afraid to do what you believe in”.
In 2008, FSMWAN commenced the gender empowerment initiative "Addressing the Under-representation of Women in the FSM Political Process". Out of that initiative, the Women-In-Politics Network (WIPNET) process is one of the key performance indicators of the project, as it supports the political and leadership aspirations of FSM women.
The United States Embassy assisted FSMWAN to realize its initiative with a $24,090 grant from the U.S. Department of State Pacific Islands Fund (PIF) for Small-Scale Development. PIF offers assistance for activities promoting democracy, rule of law, and good governance.
FSMWAN’s receipt of PIF financial assistance coincided with the presentation of FSM Congressional Bill NO. 15-169; if enacted into law, this bill would add four At-Large seats to FSM Congress reserved specifically for women representatives.
FSMWAN’s Mission is to “[Empower] Women, Youth and Communities to Live Productive and Self-Fulfilled Lives.”