Ngarachamayong Cultural Center.
With this year’s theme, “Equal rights and equal opportunity for women,” the women discussed issues that are important to them, such as conserving and promoting Palauan heritage, taking care of family, and children’s education.
The event was opened with song performances from the Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School Choir and a prayer from Pastor Hiob Ngirachemoi of Palau Evangelical Church.
Bilung Gloria Salii gave the opening remarks, followed by a keynote address from President Johnson Toribiong who emphasized the importance of women not only in the family, but in the community.
A group of young Palauan students regaled the guests with a traditional dance, sealing the women’s goal to protect and conserve the Palauan culture by passing it on to the younger generation.
High Chief Ibedul Yutaka Gibbons and High Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Senate President Mlib Tmetuchel and Speaker Noah Idechong also delivered their respective speeches, affirming support to the women’s rights.
The second day was the exhibition day. One table displayed Palauan fruits, jams, taro wine. Wood carvings, woven handicrafts, turtle shell money, China wares, baskets, and a variety of heirlooms were on view.
Every women’s organization from different states contributed important artifacts, heirlooms and handicrafts for the exhibition.
“We decided to put up this exhibit to strengthen our cultural heritage,” said Salii. “We wanted to show the arts and skills of Palauan traditional artists.”
The exhibit was part of educating and promoting the traditional Palauan culture to younger generations as well as other guests.
