Women of PIANGO, thank you for being the anchor of our Kainga.

You’re not women politicians yet but you navigated the political landscape in our region for our communities’ Voices to be heard.

When no one responded to our blue conch shell call to actions, you answered your own call and work your heart placing people at the center of our development.

You walked the extra mile to shine lights on harms that will limit the dreams of our children and generations to come on issues such as deep-sea mining, nuclear legacy and others.

You enjoyed your freedom and stood for the same for your sisters and brothers of West Papua, Maohi Nui and Kanaky. Like that is not enough, you learned to be ‘almost expert’ in Public Finance Management.

Life is not complete until you’re sure that public policies had the necessary commitments in the nation budget to guarantee implementation so basic public services reaches the most in need communities, coz public money is people’s money.

Your ongoing drive for localisation, placing your trust in the intelligence of our communities that they can figure out the science of climate change and its impact because they live it.

While we celebrate Women today, I am also sad to farewell a friend and colleague Angeline Chand who has taught me so much about valuing small things in life as what you may take for granted can be a luxury to someone else.

May you continue to be blessed as you are a blessing to others.

Happy International Women’s Day from our PIANGO Secretariat team.