Overview:
A new women-led wellness initiative is taking root in Palau. DiReNg, a 12-week holistic health and fitness sisterhood founded by Jo Ngoriakl, combines exercise, guided journaling, and self-reflection with culturally grounded support aimed at helping Palauan women care for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
Ngoriakl said. “We’re starting small to test out the concept of integrating a commitment to exercise, guided journaling and self-reflection (based on Stoicism), sisterhood-building, and cultivating a safe space for women.”
KOROR, Palau — Jo Ngoriakl is launching DiReNg, a 12-week holistic health and fitness program for women inspired by the Palauan proverb “Ng Di Renguk e Ngusek.” “It’s called DiReNg from the Palauan proverb, ‘Ng Di Renguk e Ngusek,’ for it is a holistic health and fitness accountability sisterhood program,” Ngoriakl said. “We’re starting small to test out the concept of integrating a commitment to exercise, guided journaling and self-reflection (based on Stoicism), sisterhood-building, and cultivating a safe space for women.”
Ngoriakl will lead the program with volunteer help. Participants get a printed DiReNg 12-Week Journal with prompts, access to a private online channel on a secure platform, and a supportive vibe “with lots of love and room for understanding,” she said. Safe spaces are core to her vision. Ngoriakl adapted the three house rules from her Unpack podcast, which have proven effective.
“For DiReNg, there are extra rules to ensure confidentiality and respect of each woman’s story and privacy,” she added. A participation fee reinforces commitment. “The fee is there because I truly believe that when we invest financially into ourselves and our health, it forces us to show up and stick to our commitment,” Ngoriakl explained.
“By introducing this, I hope participants will build a habit of investing in their own selves so that they can be the healthiest version of themselves as mothers, sisters, aunts, and Palauan women.” She speaks from experience: “We rely so much on our women, and I’ve gone through the process of feeling guilty in doing something for myself, but when I reframed and unpacked the guilt, I started to show up for myself. In that process, my mind, body, and soul has shifted into a better version that I never thought possible. This is what I hope for the women in the program.” Men and women can support as DiReNg Champions to cover admin costs and offer reduced fees. “By supporting the program, you will support the space and its basic admin cost, plus, allowing me to offer reduced fee to women who are interested in changing their lives but need an extra help,” Ngoriakl said.