FUTURE VISION

One morning this past month, KKV staff, Innocenta "Inno," Joanne, Paulina, and Marlene met at the Marshallese bakery for a meal as part of their regular NieiRek get togethers. The informal atmosphere of sharing food and enjoying each other’s company offers the group a sense of community away from home. Each of the women represent different cultural groups brought together through NieiRek,  meaning “women of vision” in the Chuukese language. Founded by "Aunty Inno," NieiRek offers a support system for Micronesian women living in Hawaiʻi - a connection to home and culture. Each of the women is a powerful community leader and navigator; some like Inno and Paulina are KKV program leaders, while others are community navigators who KKV relies on to extend access to care for their friends and families.

Representing the Marshall Islands, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, the women of NieiRek uphold the vision of connection, reciprocation, and community building between Micronesian women. Paulina explains how in Micronesia, women are the true leaders. “Although men seem to be at the forefront, women are leading from behind,” she says, “and the men always have to listen.”

The leaders take turns in alternating weeks to lead the chapters, each reflecting a different Micronesian community living in Kalihi. While sharing a meal of donuts, soup, and coffee, the women speak about what a future for Micronesian women can look like in Hawaiʻi—one that sustains economic wellness and protects the whole family.

One recent outcome of these meetings is the pop-up market led by Paulina, which takes place every Saturday at the Towers at Kuhio Park (formerly KPT). The women sell handmade crafts, clothing, and accessories. Through the pop-up’s clothing and other cultural items, participants can find agency and earn money for their families. 

Inno started NieiRek many years ago by conducting a survey of Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrant women living in Kalihi. The leaders comment on the uniqueness of each of the different island communities, especially with respect to language and customs. And in spite of the social format of the meetings, the women are making a big difference for their communities both in terms of finding ways to connect families to needed resources and in advocating for systems changes that build long-term strength and resilience for families living in Hawaiʻi.

Mahalo to the Women’s Fund of Hawaiʻi for supporting NieiRek this past year.