Looking ahead, the Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) new executive committee and members anticipate to revisit the organisation structures set up in the public sector to facilitate women’s affairs, issues, positions, and platforms.

“With a view to reinstating a Women’s Office to carry through international, regional, national and island commitments,” said re-elected president, Vaine Wichman.

The Non-Government-Organisation (NGO) held its Annual General Meeting last week which included the election of its office bearers.

Vaine Wichman was humbled to be re-elected to the role of president.

“To lead the key women’s agency in the country is an honourable position.

“Humbling in that again the women representatives of the 21 affiliate organisations give me their confidence,” she said.

In the latest strategic plan (2020/2023), the National Council of women has adopted the tasks of: Preserving Māori language, Advocating for childcare services and rebates for working mothers, Facilitate the entry of women into local and national governance positions, Economic empowerment, and Climate justice in terms of finding solutions to global warming increasing the inequalities between women and men

Highlights of the National Council of Women are currently the social policy reviews which have included the following platforms as requested by women and women’s organisations: Christ’s central place in the home, village, island, nation; Protecting and proactively using our Māori language; Child care inclusion in welfare system; Focus on the 0-3 year old child welfare; Advancing programs to support the development of youth in governance, economic empowerment.

The promotion and preservation and marketing of women’s locally made handicrafts have also been a focal point.

As well as contributing in policy interventions relating to climate change and justice.