KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Women’s organizations held a conference to discuss several pressing issues facing Palau.
These issues included the preservation of local culture and the prevention of juvenile delinquency.
The 9th Belau Women’s Conference also deliberated on a proposal that cases involving customary matters should only be handled by Palauan judges.
The women conference also discussed proposals on the establishment of a Council for Ladies, and ensuring that the Palauan language should be used in the interpretation of local law.
The women also discussed issues regarding health, economic development, education, turtle conservation and ways to strengthen the laws of the country.
Vice President Sandra Pierantozzi lauded the contributions to Palau’s development of the various women’s organizations and the interests shown by women regarding issues facing the country.
“Palauan women are traditionally powerful and this conference had shown how women are well-informed about the issues of the country,” Pierantozzi said.
She said the role of women and men in Palau has always been well-defined and that there is always a strong balance between the two sexes in the roles they play in the society.
She said the women in the country are playing important roles as reflected in the positions held by women in both the government and private sectors. She said compared to other countries, women in Palau did not have to struggle for equality or fight for their rights due to the important role they play in the country.
“In other countries, women don’t have a say in anything and are still struggling to fight for their rights, but the women in Palau did not have to deal with discrimination,” Pierantozzi said.
President Tommy Remengesau, for his part, said local women play an active role in Palau’s democracy.
“The women are in the forefront as matriarchs of the society—they have been instrumental in shaping the policies of the government,” Remengesau said.
He said women’s group have always championed issues regarding customs, traditions and the environment. The president said discrimination against women has never been an issue in Palau.
“They are already way ahead and on top of the situation,” he said.
