Palikir, Pohnpei
Federated States of Micronesia
PROCLAMATION FOR MARCH 08, 2024
AS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
WHEREAS, March 8 has been declared International Women's Day; and,
WHEREAS, women make up almost half of the FSM population (49%); and have a vital role in the social, economic, cultural, and political development of our nation; and,
WHEREAS, women, as members of society, have equal value and dignity and should therefore have equal opportunities, freedom and choice; and,
WHEREAS, the FSM ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)in 2004 and pledged to continue working towards the eradication of all forms of discrimination against women and promote gender equality; and
WHEREAS, the legal rights of women are protected under the FSM National Constitution and the constitutions of the four states, and the FSM Government has entrenched its commitment for action to accelerate gender equality through the National Gender Equality Policy and the National Eliminating Violence Against Women Policy; and,
WHEREAS, acknowledging the 2024 UN theme of International Women's Day, being '"‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’" the FSM will continue to work towards greater representation of women in all levels of decision-making and governmental leadership; and,
WHEREAS, post COVID-19 has and will continue to have a disproportionate impact on women as women and their families face increased economic insecurity and increased risk of violence; we. therefore, recognise the importance of gender-inclusive crisis response and women's leadership; and.
WHEREAS, our nation's faith and culture are important strengths in our advancement toward gender equality and ending violence against women and girls; and,
WHEREAS, women in the FSM have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner at least once in their lifetime; and.
WHEREAS, towards advancing women's full participation in the workplace, the FSM National Government has increased maternity leave provisions for all national government employees from 6 weeks to 8 weeks paid leave; and,
WHEREAS, to celebrate and recognize the contribution of women to the social, economic, cultural, and political fabric of our nation, the FSM National Government hereby grants paid administrative leave to all women employed by the national government on 08 March 2024; and.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the Federated States of Micronesia do hereby proclaim March 8, 2024, as 'International Women’s Day' of this Nation and urge all citizens and residents, governments, private agencies, and organizations in this Nation to commemorate this day in ways that promote gender equality and acknowledge a women's right to safety, dignity and respect.
