Overview:
President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. marked International Women’s Day with a call for stronger protections for working mothers and greater gender equity in Palau. In a new proclamation, the president urged lawmakers to advance maternity and family leave policies, stressing that the nation’s laws and workplaces must reflect the deep respect Palauan culture has long held for women.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
“Our Laws Must Match the Respect Our Culture Has Always Given to Women,’ Palau President Says on Women’s Day
KOROR, Palau — “If we truly believe in ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,’ then our laws and workplaces must match the respect our culture has always given to women,” President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. declared in proclaiming March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Palau.
In Proclamation No. 26-422, signed March 6, Whipps hailed women’s vital social, economic, cultural and political roles. “Palau joins the international community in honoring” those contributions while tackling gaps in economic access, leadership, violence protection and services that demand “continued commitment and collective action,” he wrote.
Women anchor Palau’s workforce as nurses, doctors, teachers, principals, police and executives — including the ministers of justice, chief of staff, national security coordinator and attorney general. Yet challenges persist: Many working mothers lack paid maternity leave, affordable daycare (scarce amid a $5 hourly minimum wage) and support for juggling jobs with elder care.
Whipps spotlighted these burdens, noting women often choose between income and family. He urged the Olbiil Era Kelulau, Palau’s National Congress, to craft stronger maternity and family leave policies.
The administration is ramping up education, skills training and leadership programs in public service, law, science, health and security, while updating gender policies. In Palau’s matrilineal society, “women have always been central,” Whipps added. “We are proud of the progress we have made in women’s leadership, but we must do more, particularly to support working mothers and to encourage more women to serve in elected office.”
The proclamation urges agencies, civil society, leaders, businesses, schools and communities to celebrate gains, spotlight barriers and drive equality. (Source: Office of the President, ROP)