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Sinei Nonomum me Wisom
Faniten Kinamwen non Family Ekkesiwin
(People for Change: Character and Responsibilities)

CWC Annual Conference
Session #2
October 12th, 2017

 

Session #2 kicked off in the Truk Stop conference facility at 10:00am with songs of praise followed by an opening prayer from Reverend Steioshy Manuel. Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Juliana M. Sos, then introduced Mr. Sigmond Silluk, representing the municipality of Weno, who officially opened the two-day conference.

CWC president, Kiki Stinnett, then welcomed conference attendees and expressed sincere appreciation to the Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC), whose sponsorship made this event possible.

Keynote speaker, Ms. Dionisialyn “Dion” Bernard, Department of Justice, assistant secretary for the Human Trafficking Division presented “Strengthening Capacity, Building Roles within the FSM Government on Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Opportunities in Law Enforcement for Women”.

In 2012 FSM (Federated States of Micronesia) enacted a Human Trafficking law in response to the “blue house” brothel case in Guam. Assistant secretary Dion congratulated CWC for successfully advocating to increase the age of consent from 13 to 18. This consent law supported two recent cases, one of which she won.

However, the sad reality remains. Human trafficking and sexual assault still occur within FSM. In 2016 human trafficking cases filed in Chuuk involved parents who facilitated the sexual activity of their minor-aged daughters for profit. Assistant secretary Dion challenged all conference participants to make changes within their own families, villages, and churches by “breaking the silence” on this modern vestige of slavery. In silence, you are complicit with the perpetrator of any incident of human trafficking or sexual assault.

Conference participants were inspired by Assistant Secretary Dion’s presentation and the approach that she advocates, called “community policing”. Community policing engages and challenges people to communicate, share information, and report inappropriate activities to the authorities. This approach further strengthens relationships among members of the community.

Assistant Secretary Dion encouraged women and youth to engage in this community policing effort as well. She touched on barriers facing women in the workforce and emphasize the importance of stronger representation of women in decision-making processes within the family and community. She went on to announce open positions within her office and asked all interested individuals to apply.

Assistant secretary Dion encouraged CWC to continue raising awareness of human rights and the impact of these rights within the context of our current cultural climate. Her presentation defined the key elements of human trafficking as: act, means, and purpose.

The primary challenges and barriers to effectively combatting human trafficking are: insufficient government support for child protection services, insufficient funding, and insufficient counselling resources for victims.

During the interactive portion of assistant secretary Dion’s presentation, several questions focused on identifying specific practices and beliefs within Chuukese culture that enable domestic violence and human trafficking to occur. Conference participants unanimously agreed that abuse or domestic violence against women and children are utterly inconsistent with our cultural traditions and values. Yet some people continue to use “culture” to excuse or rationalize these repugnant and crimes.

Age of consent law: benefits

  • Supports prosecution of human trafficking cases
  • Encourages government to focus on providing the needed Services to support the Protection of the Child and Domestic Violence cases

Age of consent law: next steps

  • Strengthen the collaboration of both national and state government agencies to improve support services to CSO’s and NGO’s
  • Provide funding for education outreach
  • Seek support from the Department of Justice, A.G.’s Office and Department of Public Safety to assist in enforcement (age of consent / human trafficking)
  • Strengthen partnership among government agencies and stakeholders. Seek support from Chuuk Leadership to assist with investment in policies and women’s and family programs

Assistant secretary Dion’s presentation was followed by the panel discussion, “Navigating Personal Well-Being & Sexuality: Sexuality & Gender & Reproductive Health”. Eleanor S. Sos, chief of Chuuk Public Health, facilitated this discussion. Chief Eleanor expressed deep appreciation to OMHRC (Office of Minority Health Resource Center) and the University of Guam for establishing this curriculum in the Chuukese and Chomorro communities in partnership with CWC and another NGO from Marianas.

This panel discussion was limited to a high-level overview and introduction as each of the ten lessons requires ninety minutes to complete. CWC conference attendees will be the ones to invite Chief Eleanor and her staff into their local communities to teach the full curriculum.

After the panel discussion Sincera Fritz presented on HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and common women’s health concerns. The presentation prompted participants to ask several questions regarding sexual health. The information presented, and subsequent discussion provided the participants with a better understanding of their own sexual health, and the knowledge gained will help them to knowledgeably discuss these topics within their families.

While the women’s plenary was going on in the conference room, the men had their own session in the TV Room. Reverend Manuel and Mr. Mori-M Mori facilitated the men’s session and addressed some of the curriculum activities.

The afternoon session, facilitated by Jacinta Lippwe and supported by Ms. Chelsea Yleizah and Rev. Manuel, focused on drugs and alcohol as factors contributing to risky behavior. Anger management and suicide prevention were also addressed. The presenters went on to discuss the range of available services catering to mental illness and special needs patients. Conference participants, some of whom have experienced these issues with family members, utilized the opportunity to interact with the presenters. Ms. Jacinta stressed that there are new approaches for the service delivery to mental patients and the government encourages family involvement.

CWC Board member, Ms. Faustina Francis gave the closing remarks by thanking everyone and most especially the presenters and assistant secretary Bernard for her remarks.

Dr. Rita Mori was the keynote speaker for day two of the conference. The central theme of her presentation was the importance “People for Change: character and responsibilities” (sinei nonomum me wisom) “for peace in the family” (faniten kinamwen non family).

It is important for each of us to know, who we are, understanding our character and responsibilities. Harmony within the family is the responsibility of both the father and mother. Only when there is harmony within the family can the community, island, state and nation be at peace.

It is important for the mother to stay healthy because if she is sick, she will not be able to work and care for the children. The children will not be able to go to school because the husband is too worried trying to get his wife well. The extended family gets involved trying to help the sick mother off island but is unable to pay the expenses. The government hospital helped by providing the means to refer the sick mother off island but now the hospital does not have money to purchase medicine for the other patients.

A family that knows and understands the importance of their responsibilities will do whatever is required to care for their own family to stay healthy and enjoy quality of their life.

Dr. Rita stressed the importance for women to be healthy prior to and during pregnancy. The concept of “Womb to Tomb” means preparing for pregnancy by ensuring that every mother is in the best health possible, and then to maintain good health throughout pregnancy by getting antenatal care to ensure a healthy delivery. Planning and preparing for pregnancy will minimize complications such as premature delivery, low birth-weight and stillbirths. Women have the right to choose when and how many children to have. By doing so, they will have increased their chances to have uncomplicated pregnancies and healthier children.

The FSM Statistics Office show that teenage pregnancy continues to increase. Chuukese women are the first caretakers of life and of our families. Are you healthy? Is your family healthy and happy? “People for Change”. “Be a woman for change”. Remember the remarks made by our Senator Gardenia Aisek, “Woman Can Do”. Be an instrument for Change…

Chief Eleanor Setik gave the recap and highlighted some of the points from the previous day. Ms. Nite Christoph then closed the morning session with an emotional song, describing the unconditional love a mother has for her child. That beautiful song touched the hearts of many, unleashing tears throughout the room.

The afternoon session started with a session titled “Impact of the Age of Consent Law”, by Kiki Stinnett. She shared the history of this law and highlighted some of the hard work leading to passage on September 23, 2014. CSL 12-14-18 increased the age of consent from 13 years old to 18 years. This change focused on the responsibility of both parents to their child. The age of consent law now defines a minor as anyone under the age of 18 years.

Kiki also, explained the legal obligation of the parents to ensure the safety of their minor children. It is against the law for a minor to purchase or consume alcohol, cigarettes or betelnut. Minors can not drop out of school. Minors are not allowed to fly unaccompanied on airplanes. Minors accused of crimes can not be tried as adults.

Participants (60% adults, 40% minors) were surveyed on the first day of the conference to assess public awareness and knowledge of the age of consent law:

  • Aware of the law? 52% responded YES / 25% responded NO
  • Understand the law? 35% responded YES / 57% responded NO / 8% responded DON'T KNOW
  • Is the law effective? 50% responded YES / 50% responded NO

As a result of increasing the age of consent to 18, more parents are now hesitant to let their underage girls marry. However, survey results indicate that further outreach is needed to increase compliance with this legislation.

Reverend Manuel addressed participants, thanking CWC leadership for bringing this conference to fruition. He went on to reaffirm the family as the foundation upon which society is developed. “Ekichu tipechu angechu” (working together) is a tradition of Micronesian culture promoting vitality, health, harmony, and success at the family, community, state, and national levels.

CWC Board member, Ms. Susan Danis, delivered closing remarks thanking participants and encouraging everyone to reflect upon the discussions of the past two days. She ended by acknowledging and thanking the Office of Minority Health Resource Center for their continued support and funding the CWC annual conference. The conference was closed with a prayer.

Chuuk Women’s Council hosted a celebration for International Women’s Day and FSM Cultural Day on March 31st at the Truk Stop Hotel Patio. The event theme: “ Recognizing the Achievements of Women Who Inspire Women and Communities”.

About one hundred-fifty women from the five regions of Chuuk, including our sisters from the KAPIT organization, and our sisters from the JICA Program, government officials, religious leaders, including CWC partners from CCS and the PPVDP. The presence of Her Excellency Ambassador Doria Rosen and Ms. Abigail Kim made the event very special.

MC Ms. Sirene F. Killion opened the conference with the introduction. Ms. Susan Danis gave the opening prayer. Kiki Stinnett then gave the welcoming remarks, overview of the conference and recognized distinguished guests in attendance. Kiki gave special recognition to Her Excellency US Ambassador to the FSM, Doria Rosen for being an outstanding advocate and supporter of CWC. Kiki highlighted the importance of the special day by acknowledging that every woman is very special with unique talents and to use their talents to glorify God and to make a difference. She asked everyone to “congratulate the person next to you for all the wonderful accomplishments and achievements each of you have done and continue to do for your family, community, church, State and Nation.”

This celebration was an opportunity to recognize the five most distinguished achievements of Chuukese Women for 2015 to 2016. Each woman received a certificate in acknowledgement of their achievements and contributions to the community.

1) Mrs. Alma Danis was born and raised in Chuuk, and has lived here most of her life. She is the mother to 11 children, 42 grandchildren and 45 great grand children. Moreover, she is considered the Mother of Chuuk as her late husband was the fist District Administrator of Chuuk. She founded the Truk Women’s Club and organized education programs for Chuukese children. In 1997 Mrs. Danis relocated to Oregon but did not leave her Chuukese roots behind, while in Oregon she served her community as she welcomed and assisted Chuukese people as they made transition to the mainland. In 2016 Mrs. Danis returned to Chuuk and we are happy to have her back.

2) Ms. Ansina Kony received her nursing certificate from Walla Walla Community College in Washington, a bachelor’s degree in community health education from Eastern Washington University and a master’s degree in special education from University of Guam. She has dedicated her professional life to improving the health and well-being of our community. She has worked in the field of health and nutrition for the College of Micronesia, before moving on to the position of special education coordinator for Chuuk State Department of Education. She has spent her personal time volunteering for civic and community organization including the Board of Education, Chuuk Women’s Council, Special Education Advisory Council and the Interagency Council.

3) Dr. Asinech Hellan Pangelian was born in Chuuk. She attended local school and was the first graduate of Saramen Chuuk Academy High School. She made the move to the US when she finished high school in Chuuk and remained there ever since. She received her associate’s degree in health and wellness from the College of Micronesia, a bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Arizona, and went on to receive her doctor of optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University in Arizona. She may have left Chuuk but a good part of her remains in the islands. She founded Eye Care Micronesia (ECM). In 2015, Dr. Pangelinan and a team of eye doctors visited Chuuk and Pohnpei. ECM worked with local health care providers including nurses, doctors, and COM health students and teachers from both Chuuk and Pohnpei in providing eye vision screenings and exams for school age children. They were able to see about close to 800 kids.

4) Dr. Margarita Bernard Cholymay was born on Losap Island, Chuuk. Dr. Margarita has had several years of school and training in education. She received her associate’s degree in general education from Suomi College, Michigan, a bachelor’s degree in bilingual education from University of Hawaii, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Guam and her doctoral degree in teach education curriculum studies from the University of Hawaii. Dr. Cholymay has committed her professional life to improving the educational system and training the next generation of educators. For almost 10 years, she was a primary school teacher at Iras Elementary from there she worked with the national government, Chuuk department of education and College of Micronesia developing teacher training and educational curriculum. She is an adjunct professor at Chaminade University in Hawaii. She had dedicated much of her personal time in support of improving the lives of her Chuukese community, and throughout the years she has been the Chair and member of the Chuuk State Board of Education member of the Child Abuse and Health Services Committee, as well as several other committees in Chuuk.

5) Christine Grace Robert was born and raised on Weno. She graduated from St. Cecilia School and Xavier High School. She is currently enrolled as a nursing student at the College of Micronesia. Ms. Robert is the Micronesia Challenge Young Champion Intern at Chuuk Women’s Council. In this capacity she teaches children in grades 3-5 about environment and climate change. She is an active member of the student body association and Peniesene Youth Catholic Association, which is also member of the CWC.

Weno Mayor Pintas Kenneth welcomed the participants and also acknowledged the presence of Her Excellency US Ambassador Rosen. He encouraged the Chuukese women historically have significant and important roles in the family and their community. Representing the Governors’ Office was Mr. Tracy Meter who retreated what Mayor Kenneth said.

Her Excellency Ambassador, Doria Rosen was honored for her work and support of the FSM and Chuuk State. She gave inspiring remarks touching on the importance of education, which is the key to success. She encouraged the participants that it takes a village to educate a child and for everyone to be active participants in their community. Education opens the doors to opportunities and allows people to become anything they strive to be. You are a role model to the younger generation and inspire other people to make a difference.

Our keynote speaker for this special occasion was Ms. Margarita Cholymay, PhD and one of our most distinguished Achiever. She impressed upon the women the importance for culturally appropriate and the traditional respectful ways for our elders and leaders. Her presentation showed a sailing canoe on a journey, which illustrates the importance of teamwork and helping one another to ensure a safe and successful journey. International Women’s Day celebrates and recognizes the significant achievements and the contributions of Chuukese Women to improve the lives of their families and communities. She went on to emphasize and encourage the women to practice their traditional roles, and to follow Christian values. She reiterated a quote by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

The First Lady of Chuuk State, Bersita Elimo gave the closing remarks for the day. She thanked everyone for their roles in supporting the community. She emphasized that education is the key to success, and it is our obligation to ensure that our children go to school. She encourages parents to engage in their children’s schools and to support and guide their children in their studies. She thanked all of the women, who presented at the celebration and praised them for their achievements and support of education in Chuuk.

The ceremony was followed by lunch of locally prepared cuisine and entertainment by Chuukese dance and singing groups, as well as the JICA and KAPIT women.

All participants enjoyed the celebration and we thank everyone for their time and our sincere kinisou chapur to Truk Stop Hotel for the free venue and their support.

 

October was a very busy month at CWC, as we welcomed and hosted several CWC supporters at the SM Poll Memorial Center and Wellness Facility.

Representatives from Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School and from Sendai Rotary Club of Japan, Mr. Takehiko Katoh, Mr. Jun Ogata and Mr. Toru Igarashi visited and toured CWC. Both organizations are strong supporters of our work at CWC and our educational efforts with local schools. To that end, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School has generously donated conference tables and chairs, as well as, school desks and chairs. These are much needed items for our workshops and training activities, and the classroom furniture will be put to good use by school children.

Staff members, Soni Malaulau and Dr. Michael Roguski from the Pacific Prevention Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) based out of New Zealand, visited and toured our facility. PPDVP works with local police and community organizations in the Western and South Pacific to end violence against women. We have had a long-standing relationship with PPDVP, and they have supported our efforts to educate the Chuukese people about domestic violence. Most recently, PPDVP underwrote our very successful Mother and Daughter/Father and Son family violence workshops that were held this past June.


Finally, we welcomed several members of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church (LDS) including Mr. Bill Davis, Mr. Ty Johnson, Mr. Koji Kodama and Mr. Hans Sorensen. Over the last year, the LDS Church has donated supplies and resources to CWC to help enhance and improve existing programs. They have provided us with books for the resource library, baby clothes and blankets for the mother and child program, sewing machines for the micro-enterprise projects, glucose strips and body measurement scales for the healthy lifestyle program, musical instruments for the summer camps, seeds for home gardening efforts, and a camera to document all our activities. We are truly grateful to them for their overwhelming support!

On December 6th, 2014 the Chuuk Women’s Council hosted a dedication ceremony to celebrate the completion of the second floor of the SMPoll Memorial Wellness Center. The second floor houses the volunteer residence, office space and the Youth and Family Learning Resource Center which includes a library, kids’ zone, computer lab and media room. Our goal is to provide a safe and productive environment with learning materials to encourage the intellectual growth of children, youth, and families in Chuuk.

We would like to acknowledge with deep gratitude the grant from the Japan Government that has made this project possible. Kinisou Chapur!

Chuuk Womens Council PreConference at the Truk Stop HotelOn September 15th and 16th more than 150 women gathered from throughout the 5 regions of Chuuk, at the Truk Stop Hotel Conference Facility to participate in the CWC preconference to the FSM Women’s Conference that will take place in Pohnpei, in October 2014. The theme of this year’s conference was “Love of Family: Building Familial Relationship, Improving Health, Sustaining the Environment, and Strengthening Cultural Traditions for a Brighter Chuuk” (Translated: “TongenInepwineu” ApechekunenNefinenFamili: FeffeitanPechekunenAramas, SoposopoloonTumununLonomechunFonuwach Me Setich Me Apechekunen Ach KeweEereni, Ren SaramenLesor Me Pennon).

Kiki Stinnett presented the top five priority topics, which were identified in a community consultation program, which covered the 5 regions of Chuuk State and was funded by ADB through the Japan Special Fund. These topics include Social Services, Income, Education, Health and Infrastructure. The women were highly enthusiastic and engaged in learning about the key topics from the many knowledgeable presenters.

Our keynote speaker was Tanseny Reynold who offers a wealth of experience in women’s leadership. She is a CWC advisor, was the first Chuuk State Women’s Interest Officer (8 years), and is the principal of Nukuno Christian High School, Tonowas. The basis of her presentation came from the inspiring words of Proverbs 14:1.

Education presenters focused on the promoting of literacy and engaging parents and the community in education. Presenters included Evelyn Joseph, PREL, Gardenia A. Macayaon, Executive Director DOE, Bersita Elimo, First Lady, Chief of Administration and Personnel DOE, and Aileen O’toko, Chief of Planning and Development DOE.

Health presenters discussed cultural values and innovations in promoting primary care, healthy lifestyle and tobacco-free homes for healthier communities. Special attention was also focused on maternal health, and the legal age of consent from a health standpoint. Presenters included Dr. Sylvia Wally, Psychiatrist, Eleanor Setik, RN/NP, Acting Chief Public Health, Dr. Rita Mori, OB/GYN and Rev. Steiochy Manuel.

Presentations on socio-economic issues and their impact on the environment were done by Bradford Mori, EPA Focal Point for Climate Change, and Ketsen Haregaichig, Small Business Development. A special thanks as well to Jacinta Lippwe, Counselor for SAMH for translating, Mary Rose Nakayama and Sirene Killion for facilitating and Nely M. Ruben for her role as MC.

There was no lack of laughter and joy as women had opportunities to share dances and songs with the group as well as a fashion show demonstrating the success of the CWC & CRE sewing mission project. During working group sessions, the women came up with many ideas for implementing the information presented. Overall, the conference was an exciting time of encouragement, networking, and learning. More details on the outcome of our conference will be shared at the 2014 FSM Women’s Conference in Pohnpei.

October 20-24, 2014; Kolonia, Pohnpei

Representatives and delegates from the four (4) states of the Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap and Kosrae), the national government, development partners and regional and international organizations met in Kolonia, Pohnpei, from October 20th-24th, 2014, for the third (3rd) FSM Women’s Conference, hosted by the Pohnpei Women’s Council. The attendees discussed gender issues surrounding the theme of the conference, “Maintaining Our Culture to Inspire Change.” Thirty-one (31) delegates from Chuuk State attended the conference.

The 3rd FSM National Women’s Conference was honored by the presence of its keynote speaker, Ms. Shamimah Ali, the Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Center. Ms. Ali spoke of her inspiring work to end violence against women in her home country. This introduced one of the major focuses of the conference, the elimination of violence against women. Other focuses of the conference included the rights of persons living with disabilities, the challenges of FSM’s economic outlook, access to education and health, women in business, HIV/AIDS in the islands, political participation by women, senior citizens, gender and climate change, sustainable agriculture, and food security.

Besides Ms. Ali’s address, there were many other highlights of the conference. To begin, the President of the FSM, His Excellency Emmanuel “Manny” Mori, encouraged the attendees to work together and to take political office. Ms. Evelyn Adolph, the Executive Director of the Office of SBOC, updated the participants on the status of the FSM Economy, and emphasized the importance of women’s contributions to it, a theme which Ms. Kiki Stinnett continued in her presentation on the FSM Women in Business Network, Inc. There were presentations from development partners including Ms. Tonni Ann Broder from UN Women who spoke about Advancing Gender Justice in the Pacific, Ms. Pasha Carruthers, Climate Change Advisor SPC-PSIP who presented on the topic of gender and climate change, and Mr. SoniMalaulau, from the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Program, who described his organization’s work with Pacific region police forces to combat violence against women. The former Vice President of Palau, The Honorable Sandra Pierrentozi, encouraged the participants to engage in political leadership and influence policy making. Besides these, there were many other knowledgeable and inspiring speakers. Everyday refreshments and lunch were provided by the Pohnpei Women’s Council members, and dinners were sponsored by several prominent government and traditional leaders.

One of the outcomes of the conference was the formation of an FSM National Women’s Council (NWC). This body will serve as the voice of the four states’ umbrella women’s organizations, including the Chuuk Women’s Council. The FSM NWC, as a national effort, will represent the combined voice of women in the FSM and be better able to work with other women’s networks regionally and globally. Two (2) members from each state and two (2) national government members will serve as the National Women’s Council. From Chuuk, Ms. Kiki Stinnett, (NGO) and Ms. Eleanor Setik, (Government) are the two temporary representatives for the inaugural NWC, pending the Chuuk State Governor endorsement.

Other outcomes of the conference included those listed in the Outcomes Document, which is attached. Some highlights include a commendation of the State of Kosrae for its Family Protection law which addresses the domestic violence issue (#1), a call for the placement of gender development focal officers at high levels of government (#8), a recognition of the importance of women in sustainable agriculture (#15), and a call for governments to adopt measures that promote respect for the safety of women and girls in school (#6). In addition, with relevance to the theme of “Maintaining Our Culture to Inspire Change,” the conference noted the “importance of culture and traditional mechanisms of decision making processes,” and the need for education of youth about decision making in this society and that it should account for traditional decision-making structures and processes.

The conference’s recommendations included the following:

  • State delegations to mainstream gender development into their work to align it with a more engaged sustainable approach, keeping in mind the importance of preserving Micronesian cultural heritage. (#3)
  • State delegations to advocate for the passage of the legislations highlighted in the resolutions produced from this conference so that community awareness on the new laws can be undertaken nationwide. (#4)
  • The Family Health and Safety Survey to be highlighted as a key measure to assist the governments in gauging the need to urgently enact relevant legislation. (#6)

In addition, the heads of delegations from the states and the national government signed seven (7) of resolutions at the close of the conference. These included a resolution urging ratification of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities; a resolution urging the state legislatures to enact family safety legislation; a resolution urging the state legislatures to enact maternity leave legislation; and a resolution to seek assistance from the government to develop political participation toolkits.

The Chuukese delegation was invited to present about women’s progress in our home state. Mrs. Kiki Stinnett presented about the work of the Chuuk Women’s Council in the areas of Income, Social Services, Education, Health, and Infrastructure/Environment. These were the five (5) top priorities for Chuuk state public sector funds use as highlighted in the ADB/Japan Special fund 2010-2012 community consultations. The Chuuk Women’s Council has used these recommendation priorities as impetus both to strengthen existing programs and projects and also to construct new program ideas. The recommendations from the survey form much of the backbone of our five (5) year strategic action plan.

Mrs. Stinnett’s presentation not only presented the results of the survey, with community-identified problems and solutions, but also highlighted the work CWC has already done and is doing in the five (5) priority areas. These programs and projects, such as the Adopt a School project and the Healthy Lifestyles Program, as well as our coalitions and partnerships like the Domestic Violence Coalition and our work with the Chuuk Youth Council, simultaneously work towards development in the five priority areas, while also dovetailing with the focuses, outcomes, and recommendations of the National Women’s Conference. Additional these CWC programs support the progress towards achieving the Millennium Development goals (MDG) and the FSM Strategic Development Plan. For example, the CWC and the Pohnpei Women’s Council established the FSM Women in Business Network, Inc., (WIBN) in March, 2013. The CWC continues to promote and foster the collaboration and capacity building of women in business in Chuuk, and invited women at the conference from Yap and Kosrae states to join in the WIBN. This became Outcome number nine (9) of the conference. In addition, the passage of the Age of Consent Law following the Chuuk state Pre-Conference in September is an indication of the CWC’s ongoing work towards gender justice in these islands.