International Bulletin - Spring 1997
Cook Islands Report
The Annual General Meeting of the Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women's Association (PPSEAWA) Cook Islands Chapter was well attended with a new and vibrant executive board appointed:
President Teresa Manarangi-Tro
1st Vice President Dorice Reid
2nd Vice President Jessie Sword
Secretary Jane Lamb
Treasurer Anna Koteka, as well as Vaka leaders in each of the Rarotonga Districts.
Takitumu: Elizabeth Henderson, Florence Syme Buchanan
Puaikura: Helen Henry, Irai Wilkin
Te Au O Tonga: Tiraa Anquna, Vira Tavioni
The meeting reconfirmed the Patron Mama Maui Short.
Paddy Walker, Life Member and International Vice President, gave a positive and heartwarming speech answering "Why PPSEAWA." She said as an NGO we can make a difference because we have the resources and the commitment to make change possible. NGO growth has come about because there is a need to fill the gaps in government agencies. They can provide something different by responding quickly without the need for "red tape." NGOs can bring differences together to generate growth. PPSEAWA came about to generate "Peace" among all cultures. Acceptance of different cultures is the foundation of PPSEAWA. She said the "voyage to discovery is not seeing new lands, but seeing with new eyes."
"It will be important for PPSEAWA Cook Islands to be action oriented and show that it is part of the "reform process." Reform is not only about downsizing of government, and does not only happen in government offices. It will only work fully if accepted from the bottom up, and NOT TOP DOWN," said the new president-elect. "If there is to be real change, then there must be a change in attitude which starts with preschool, primary school, and parents. Mainstreaming is not about changing the way projects are developed by ministries or changing the desks in government offices so that women will sit nearer to the power base (men), but through changing the way children see each other and how parents nurture and care for their children - it is a change of attitude and way of thinking. How we treat our children today will be our vision for the future."
PPSEAWA will continue its role to facilitate this change through discussion groups and the presentation of the "Growing in Peace" local video production in the next few months. This will be followed by the Youth Forum when youth from Rarotonga and the Southern Group Islands will attend a Forum to encourage direction and personal goal setting. There will be emphasis on confidence building and life skills. It is hoped this will be followed up by the individuals at the Forum returning to their respective groups and passing on the information.
These activities will provide the basis of a Country Report for the representatives of PPSEAWA Cook Islands to take to the PPSEAWA International 20th Triennial Conference Malaysia in August. In addition, the Cook Islands will confirm with the International Executive that they will host the next PPSEAWA International 21st Conference in the year 2000 on Rarotonga. It is expected to involve some 400 members from the USA, Asia and the Pacific.
PPSEAWA Cook Islands welcomes all women from all walks of life who are interested in sharing their personal and work experiences with others or just wanting friendship. Our monthly meetings will be held at the end of each month and will be advertised in advance through general "Women Speak" articles. It is time women took a more active role to show that they are truly an important part of the reform process.
Last Modified: November 29, 2002