Peilapalap, Pohnpei: March 4, 2025 — Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang attended the opening ceremony for this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, held at the Governor’s Conference Room.
In his remarks, Governor Joseph expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event and emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting women’s wellness. He extended his appreciation to international donors for their contributions to the program and underscored that the observance of International Women’s Day aligns with Pohnpeian cultural values. He noted that if any concerns arose, they should be addressed through dialogue with traditional leaders.
Governor Joseph also reflected on the passage of Pohnpei Women’s Day during his tenure in the Legislature, recalling a debate on whether only women should receive the day off. Ultimately, consensus was reached that Women’s Day serves the collective good of the entire community.
This year’s celebration, themed “For all women and girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment” with the campaign “Accelerate Action,” will continue for the next four days with a series of presentations and workshops. The event will culminate on March 8, Pohnpei State International Women’s Day, with activities held at the Kolonia Town Gymnasium.
In closing, Governor Joseph reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives and projects that empower women, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for young and aspiring girls.