Majuro – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Majuro, organised a vibrant festival on 26 September to promote diversity and gender empowerment in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The festival was also set to commemorate Manit Day, a holiday observed every last Friday of September to celebrate Marshallese culture and heritage.  

The festival brought together people of all age groups for colourful shows of wearable arts and fashion, traditional dance, food and arts from a wide variety of countries represented in the occasion including the RMI, Kiribati, the Philippines, Fiji, Australia and the United States. 

“The US Embassy is very pleased to partner with IOM for this celebration of multi-culturalism in the RMI. Events like this spark conversation and encourage individuals and government leaders to take action regarding inequities in the community,” said Lance Posey, US Embassy Chargé d'affaires in RMI. 

In the week leading up to Manit Day, IOM hosted basketball, table tennis and volleyball tournaments for students of different ages to encourage the youth, particularly women and girls, to participate in the sport activities.  

According to a study conducted in 2007 on women in athletics, participation in sports is known to boost self-esteem in women and girls, helping them acquire valuable skills such as communication, leadership and decision-making. Women and girls’ engagement in athletics also challenges stereotypes about gender norms and opens the doors for multiple career opportunities including sports management, coaching and journalism.  

Angela Saunders, IOM Micronesia Head of Sub-office in RMI, explained that gender discrimination, including violence against women, is a significant barrier in transforming the lives of women and girls. “We must work collaboratively to challenge these barriers and ensure women and girls are safe and empowered with ample access to the same opportunities as men and boys.” 

She reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to advocate for gender equity and to mainstream gender in all areas of its work.  

Under the Inspiring Advancement of Women through Collective Action (IWA) programme, generously supported by the US Embassy in Majuro, IOM has been working to address gender discrimination at home and in the workplace and promote gender equity in the RMI since 2020. The project also provides grants to expand socio-economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs and partners with local non-governmental organisations with focused programmes advocating for gender equity in RMI schools and Government offices, as well as community groups. 

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For more information, please contact at IOM Micronesia: Haimanot Abebe, Email:  haabebe@iom.int, +691 320 8735