BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA
THE West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) successfully hosted the first-ever Are’Are Women’s Land Rights Forum from October 8 –10, 2025, at Pupuiasi in West Are’Are, bringing together women, girls, chiefs and community members to strengthen understanding of women’s roles and rights to land.
The forum was designed to empower women and girls with knowledge about land ownership, land use, and their cultural connection to land under the Are’Are land tenure system.
It followed recent research on women’s land rights conducted by Junior Michael Siwainao, which highlighted the need for greater awareness and inclusion of women in land-related decision-making.
Over the two-day program, local chiefs shared traditional knowledge on Are’Are land tenure, emphasizing the special place and responsibilities of women within the system.
Chief John Uipaewa said women play a central role in preserving land identity and heritage.
“Women give birth into the land and carry hutaa, the genealogy of Are’Are land. When women understand their land rights, they can guide future generations and ensure our traditions are respected,” Chief Uipaewa said.
He added that the forum created a safe and inclusive space for women and girls to learn, ask questions, and reconnect with their cultural heritage.
“By equipping women and girls with this knowledge, the community is ensuring that Are’Are land traditions are passed down and respected for generations to come,” he said.
Georgina Oitareamane, a young women’s leader from the Cuthill community in Zone 7 (WARA), said the training strengthened her confidence and ability to work alongside chiefs and community leaders.
“Since the training, chiefs have recognised me as a young woman leader,” she said.
She shared a recent example where she was involved in organizing a tribal reconciliation event.
“The chairman recognised me as a woman leader, and I worked with the chiefs and community to organise the event. Women and youths really benefited from this change. It improved their knowledge and confidence,” Oitareamane said.
She stressed that increased awareness of land rights is critical to preventing disputes.
“Without proper awareness, our people will not know their land rights, and lack of knowledge can lead to land disputes,” she said.
The forum was attended by more than 150 participants, including women, girls, chiefs and men from across West Are’Are.
The Are’Are Women’s Land Rights Forum was made possible through financial support from the Oxfam–Kotui Programme.
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