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CNMI Women’s Center opens
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Posted on Mar 28 2019
Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, House Speaker Blas Jonathan Attao (R-Saipan), Rep. Janet U. Maratita (R-Saipan), Rep. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan), first lady Diann Torres, Rep. Sheila Babauta (Ind-Saipan), and more cut the ribbon signifying the grand opening of the CNMI Women’s Center last Tuesday morning. (Contributed Photo)
The first-ever CNMI building dedicated solely to the CNMI Women’s Association was opened on Capitol Hill last Tuesday with members of the House of Representatives and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The CNMI Women’s Center houses the CWA, which has been in existence for almost eight years, according to CWA program administrator Felicidad Ogumoro.
“The CWA mission is to empower women for leadership as guardians of our guinaha [assets] and a vision to embolden CNMI women to be fully engaged in the political, economic, and social development of the commonwealth,” she said in a statement.
The CWA provides case management including career assessment, onsite training, employment readiness, and referral services for women.
“The CWA has been supporting women [by] providing tools necessary for them to succeed in the community, in the workplace, and in their personal development,” she continued.
The new women’s center houses a reference library or library on women’s education, careers, and employment opportunities. Staff will continue facilitating services for clients needing to complete their adult basic education and GED certificate. Ogumoro added that the center also includes a computer station, a meeting room and lounge, and even a couple of staff offices.
CWA board member Jacqueline Che told Saipan Tribune that recognizing the women in the CNMI was important because it is beneficial to the community as a whole.
“When women are fully appreciated and allowed to blossom and thrive, we are paving the way for the next generation, just as our mothers, grandmothers, and foremothers did for us,” Che said.
“Empowered women with a voice in decision making are role models for the next generation of leaders,” she continued.
