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The Cook Islands today celebrated International Women's Day with a "delicious" Pancake Breakfast for all at the Cook Islands Christian Church Sinai Hall in Avarua township.
Starting at 6am men and women came to enjoy the pancakes, fruits, juices and other beverages as well as the sing - song dedicated to women.
IWD is an occassion to ackinowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.
Guest speakers for the day including Justice of the Peace John Kenning and Internal and Womens Affairs Minister Ngamau Munukoa raised the importance of women's development in the community.
It was recognised that while there are many proffessional Cook Islands women holding professional jobs in the country gender equality and the empowerment of women was still an issue.
Currently there are three women parliamentarians in the Cook Islands and two holding Heads of Ministry titles.
In the Outer Islands there are no women holding top government positions and there is concern among the Cook Islands Council of Women officials.
"IWD is an occassion to review progress in women's development as well as an opportunity to unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change," the Minister said.
Today was also an opportunity for women in Rarotonga and the Outer Islands to network on national radio to discuss todays theme "Investing in Women and Girls"
(Rururanga ki roto ite Vainetini ete tamariki tamaine.)
"Its so great to see men this morning come to join the women," mused Anna a visitor from Holland. " and the pancakes, the fresh fruits, are so beautiful!".
Source: Govmedia
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