Exploring female empowerment through multifaceted experiences was the goal of the University of Hawaiʻi’蝉 Wāhine Mana virtual conference in April. Hosted by the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) housed in the Office of the President, the conference, with more than 600 registrants, spoke to the challenges women face at different phases of their lives.
“As Tri-Chairs of the Commission on the Status of Women, we are immensely heartened by the profound dialogue and impactful connections developed during the Wāhine Mana virtual conference,” said Darsh Davé, Kapiʻolani Community College human resources manager and Kapiʻolani tri-chair. “Our dedication to women’s empowerment extends beyond mere discussion; it encompasses proactive measures, advocacy, and concrete initiatives aimed at uplifting and supporting every individual within the UH community. This conference has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture where every person, irrespective of gender, can flourish and achieve success.”
In ʻ?lelo Hawaiʻi (花秀直播an language), wāhine mana means both “powerful women” and “female empowerment.” The conference began with remarks from President David Lassner and a conversation between wahine ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi experts, Luana Kawaʻa and Kaheleonolani Dukelow (UH Maui College) about the meaning of “Wāhine Mana” and the significance of female empowerment in 花秀直播an culture and history. This grounding and inspiring session set the tone for the conference.
There’蝉 a strength in knowing that we’re all working on the same problems.
—Conference participant
Following this kick-off event, five webinar presentations addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the women of UH: sexual violence on college campuses, growing families and careers, the reality of working parenthood, and financial security. Throughout the conference, speakers reflected on the meaning and significance of wāhine mana, particularly in light of the obstacles faced by women in higher education.
One attendee anonymously shared, “It was wonderful to hear about how women within the UH System have navigated common struggles of balancing academic and professional work along with the rest of their lives. There’s a strength in knowing that we’re all working on the same problems.” Another described the conference sessions as, “truly eye-opening.”
Future plans for the conference
The conference highlighted the critical importance of making space for employees and students to share their experiences, particularly their common struggles, and to come together to find a way forward. CSW received more than 100 evaluations of the conference’蝉 webinars. Attendees were encouraged to share their ideas for initiatives and projects that CSW could spearhead to benefit the UH Community.
CSW is in the process of reviewing and unpacking conference feedback to assess tangible next steps. In the meantime, attendees and organizers enjoyed the galvanizing moment created by the conference, as an opportunity for reflection, support, and inspiration.
More on the Commission on the Status of Women
The UH President’蝉 Commission on the Status of Women is committed to improving the support, well-being, development, and advancement of all women in the university community by actively promoting a safe working and learning environment free of sexism and discrimination through policy, advocacy, and education.
Resources and support
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. For support relating to sexual misconduct or gender-based misconduct, Title IX and Confidential Advocacy resources are available. UH and community-based mental health resources are also available.