KOROR, Palau — Jennifer Olegeriil was sworn in as Minister of Justice on May 19, becoming the second woman to lead the Ministry and marking a historic moment as women now head all of Palau’s top law enforcement agencies.
Olegeriil joins Attorney General Ernestine Rengiil, National Security Coordinator Jennifer Anson and Special Prosecutor Tamara Hutzler, collectively representing a milestone for women in Palau’s justice and security sector.
In a message shared on social media during Police Week, Olegeriil extended words of encouragement to women serving in law enforcement. She acknowledged the unique challenges they face, balancing their roles as officers, mothers, wives and clan members.
“You bring unique perspectives to the table,” she wrote. “Seek balance in your many roles, but most importantly, support one another within our law enforcement family.”
“Your success and failure are my success and failures, and my failures and successes are yours as well. Let us support each other well so that we may all succeed,” she added.
Olegeriil brings decades of law enforcement experience at both state and national levels. During her swearing-in ceremony, President Surangel Whipps Jr. praised her qualifications and leadership.
“She’s the right type of leader we need in this moment, facing the challenges before us,” Whipps said.