---

4^th Women's Conference to be held in Yap

Colonia, Yap (FSM Information Service): May 26, 1997 - Micronesian women will gather in Yap this coming June 22 through 27 for the Fourth FSM Women's Conference, attending workshops and consulting on the theme "Unified Efforts for Human Development."

Among the featured topics will be an exploration of Family Values, looking at how tradition and cultural practices relate to current practices, women's, men's and children's roles, and the application of spiritual principles to the family.

A panel will address education issues as they relate to our island way of life. Among those speaking on that panel will be Mary Berngun, a business person and wife of Congressman Isaac Figir; Henry Falan, Director of the Department of Education, and John Gilmatam, Director of Health Services.

Other topics to be addressed will be the Physical and Psychological Health of the Family, and Traditional Medicine and Practices.

On Thursday June 26, and Friday June 27, a variety of workshops will be offered on a wide range of subjects including the Environment, Gender and Sustainable development; Convention on the Rights of the Child; Women in Business Development; Population; and Nutrition.

This nationwide event is sponsored by the FSM National Women's Interest Office, the SPC Pacific Women's Resource bureau and the Yap State Government, with funds raised by the Yap Women's Association. The last nationwide Women's Conference was held in Chuuk in 1995.

Further information about the conference and hotel and restaurant facilities can be obtained from Mrs. Flora Fillmed, Secretariat, at Fax (691) 350-2223 or by writing to Box 593, Colonia, Yap FM 96943.