Aiming to empower and build capacity for young women, the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA) will be hosting Cook Islands National Feminist Forum on November 29.

Association’s executive director Rongo File says this is a first for CIFWA through the support of the National Council of Women (CINCW) which is the women’s umbrella organisation.

File says CIFWA is coordinating this forum with a team of young women.

“This is an opportunity also to involve young women in capacity building and express their opinions on the issues that are impacting their lives.

“We have a young team responsible for pulling this forum together apart from myself as executive director of CIFWA.”

Topics of discussion include looking at the current economic climate for women in the Cook Islands, factors affecting women’s health and mental wellbeing as well as education, leadership and cultural identity. The event will be hosted at the Edgewater Resort conference room on November 29 and 30 from 8.30am.