MICRONESIA
LUCHA PARA TERMINAR CON LA VIOLENCIA DE GENERO


Información provinente de la lista "end-violence" de UNIFEM

Fecha: 29 octubre 1999
De. Anne Luior <aluior@mail.fm>

Hello, I am Anne Luior, National Women's Interest Officer, from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

I just want to share that although there has been some resistance to addressing the issue of violence against women, we have however been able to educate ourselves, the grassroots women and people in general. The issues of VAW have been addressed during the annual International Women's Day activities, bi-annual national women conference, as well as seminars and workshops since 1996 in all our four FSM States.

In the preparation for this year 1999 International Women's Day - March 8, we held at least six meetings in one of the States,
attended by up to 40 women.  When I shared the Global's themes, from UNFPA, "renewal of the Global Commitment to Eradicate
Gender Based Violence," and from UNDP, "A World Free of VAW," some of the grassroots women requested that I explain to
them, what Gender Based Violence is?  Several of us from the Department of Health, Education, and Social Affairs, shared with them.

One of the presenters shared the following:

All persons in Micronesia attained the age of 18 shall be regarded as of legal age (period of minority has ceased). Age of marriage is
controlled by each of the four States.  Generally requires the male to be 18, and the female to be 16 years of age. As for
the age of sexual consent varies by each State.  In three States, at age 13, and one State, by age 15.

Most of the grassroots women were surprised about the lower sexual age of consent.  When explained about the importance of raising the age, they understood but at the same time some pointed out that it has been part of the traditional thinking.

We then discussed and encouraged the participants to see if the following can be done:

      a.. Insist that all the States laws re. the issues be reviewed and changed;
      b.. Lobby the State leadership to endorse the plan to ratify CEDAW;
      c.. Lobby the National Congress to ratify CEDAW;
      d.. Educate children and especially girls to say "NO";
      e.. Educate the men to respect their women and girls;
      f.. Educate the parents to protect their children; and more

The group also discussed the following campaigns:

"Girls, stay in school and plan your future:
"Girls, say NO!"
"Share Responsibility, at home, at work and in the community in making
FSM a nation of peace, unity and liberty;
"Share in the responsibility in the planning of your family's future,
your children's education, health and welfare."

It was a great opportunity to share with one and another, and for me and my State's counterparts to hear from these women about their concerns and interests.

Thank you.

Anne