By: L.N. Reklai
August 3, 2016 (Koror) A historical record was made on August 3rd when the highest number of women ever to run in the national election filed their petitions before the cut-off date for filing on Wednesday.
Total of 13 women filed their petitions. 6 women filed for the House of Delegates, 6 for Senate and 1 for the Office of the President. In comparison, in 2012 a total of 5 women ran for national congress and now there are 12 running for national congress.
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There were no female candidates for the Office of the President and Vice President in 2012. This year, there is one contender for the Office of the President.
“I am very very happy to see such unprecedented number of women running for office,” enthused Senator Uduch Sengebau-Senior, President of C-WEB (Center for Women Empowerment Belau), a non-profit organization established to support and empower women.
“It is a big step just to put their names out there. It is a major step and challenge for many women. In addition to taking care of their children, being a primary caretaker for their elderly, their roles in Palauan society, this is an added responsibility for women and want to thank them for taking this big step,” said Senator Senior.
“These women provide role models for our children as well as contribute their skills and perspectives to policy making processes,” added Senior.
Women in Palau have been well-represented in many sectors for many years with exception of few sectors, one of which is the elected offices of the government, States and national.
This year, there is a marked upward trend in number of women vying for elected positions in states and national government. [/restrict]