More than 60 women dressed in vibrant colours gathered for the launch of the Vaine Tini o te Kuki Airani/Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) three day “uikaraurau” summit at Highland Paradise, the 600-year-old village site that was home to Puaikura’s Tinomana tribe.

Maine Akatere Au/president of the CINCW, Vaine Wichman, welcomed members and guests to the meeting that focused on the theme “Women want healthy, happy and safe homes”.

“This is time to meet, share, make decisions and prepare for action, as well as to look at issues common to all women,” said Wichman, “the CINCW would like a good strong mandate from this conference.”

The National Council of Women, the women’s umbrella organisation, was established in 1984, and currently has approximately 55 affiliated member organisations

Sixty years on, great strides have been made in improving the lives of women in the Cook Islands and their families.

Cook Islands National Council of Women representatives with Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce director Rebecca Puni (second left). From left, Nga Teao-Papatua, Rosie Blake and Rongo Preston. MELINA ETCHES/25030314

Over sixty years ago, our grandmothers could name two out of 10 friends who died in childbirth, says Wichman, adding 40 years ago, our older sisters were forbidden from continuing at teacher’s training college if they got pregnant.

“Just 30 years ago, women began to be a bit braver to tell someone that we had been hit by the father of our children.

“Twenty years ago, CINCW were working to ensure that our sisters in the private sector could get covered under maternity protection.

“Ten years ago, the council lobbied for more attention to women’s health in the overall Ministry of Health programme.

“And under 10 years ago, the council enacted the Employment Relations Act and the Family Protection Act.

“Today, the work is not complete.”

Wichman said the first nationwide study on domestic violence gives us an idea of how safe our women are.

According to the study, one in three homes experiences domestic violence.

“This means 30 per cent of our homes are not safe,” Wichman said. “I’m encouraging us not to slip in our efforts to look out and address the 30 per cent of unsafe homes where our women are.”

She said these 30 per cent of women represent:

• The main bread earner, with responsibilities to work and home.
• Most times the only caregiver for family, elderly and vulnerable.
• Victims of domestic violence.
• Alone and old.
• Live in the Pa Enua where isolation serves a whole set of challenges daily.

“Their issues must be included into our discussions this week,” Wichman said.

“I recognise the Council’s philosophy that our women are the home life and powerhouse of the nation.

“To maintain this strong hold, we must work together to ensure their safety, and their access to services and opportunities.”

In his opening address, Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas noted the theme of the meeting.

“You may be surprised to know that men want this too,” Nicholas added.

He said it wasn’t that long ago when a woman’s place was in the are umu, the kitchen.

“We have come a long way since then and the advantages that women have championed over the decades in order that young women of today will never have to relive through the discrimination and disadvantages of being female,” Nicholas said.  

“Thirty years ago, domestic violence was considered part of a woman’s life … today it is a crime. Things are vastly different now with a huge reduction in domestic violence cases against women over 30 years to 30 per cent.

“Nevertheless, 30 per cent is unacceptable so both men and women must work together in achieving the ultimate goal of zero tolerance for domestic violence.”

Nicholas said the government is keen to progress with the theme and will do so by working closely with CINCW to implement key outcomes from this meeting.

The remaining legislation that discriminates women in employment, economic and social circumstances must be amended, he added.

“I welcome the Council’s efforts in keeping government accountable to the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,” Nicholas said.

Presenters at the summit included emcee Frances Topa Fariu, Dr Akevei Nicholas, Te Marae Ora director of public health Metua Bates, and Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce director Rebecca Puni.

The summit continues today from 9am to 12 noon and the final day will be tomorrow, also from 9am to 12 noon.