Page 36 - IB May 2018 Edition

Indepth

Ceiling’s a barrier no more

Dr Hilda Heine - President of the Republic of Marshall Islands

President of the Republic of the Marshall in the plans and I never considered the get special mention here because they have
Islands, Dr Hilda Heine is the first woman presidency of RMI, because I did not think been my partners and supporters through-
to head an independent Pacific Island state. RMI was ready to entertain that idea. That it out. Their commitment gave me strength. My
Dr Heine’s journey into the Pacific’s his- happened, I can only say it’s fate! I am still husband, son and daughters, brothers and
tory books was not easy. At home she is amazed that it happened. sisters, nieces and nephews were extremely
a trendsetter being the first Marshallese to committed and supportive. Absolutely no one
graduate with a doctoral degree. She shared IB: As a woman, how was your jour- in my family questioned my intentions. Other
her life story with Islands Business journalist ney to that office? people, not so nice. Some asked “What can
Mereseini Marau - Totoka. a woman do in the Nitijela (Parliament)?” I
Dr Heine: My journey was not without thought this was the funniest question.
IB: Can you share your life long jour- barriers. It took years of hard work to reach
ney? where I am at today. I give credit to all the IB: Did your male colleagues treat you
women who worked behind the scene and differently?
Dr Heine: My career began as a classroom who supported me in so many ways - Mar-
teacher at Marshall Islands High School, shallese women as well as sisters from Dr Heine: Throughout my career, I did my
which was, at the time, one of three public Guam, CNMI, FSM, Palau, Hawaii and the best to be a role model to younger girls, and
high schools in RMI. I ended up spend- entire Pacific. Members of the Women to do the best I can; most of my male col-
ing nearly 36 years working in the field of United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI) leagues have worked with me in one capacity
education as counselor, school administra- or another and I think they knew me well
tor at both secondary and post-secondary enough to respect me as I do return similar
education levels and in general ad- sentiment towards them. I try not to dwell
ministration as the President of the on these challenges that come with the
College of the Marshall Islands territory. I feel that people have been
and Secretary of Education. Of supportive because in our culture
those 36 years, I spent 16 of older women are highly respect-
them working for the non- ed. Our culture is a matrilineal
profit organisation, Pacific society; it is difficult to be
Resources for Education publicly criticised by men
and Learning (PREL). because we are generally
Many in my family considered “mothers,”
worked in education - of the men. With the
my father, two of my support of my cabinet
sisters and brothers, I have been able to
cousins, aunts and govern and lead as
uncles. a woman.

IB: Did you IB: What are
ever dream your views
of becom-
ing Head of
State?

Dr Heine: I
started my ca-
Hilda Heine of the
reer as a classroom Marshall Islands is
teacher. I am not a the first female Presi-
politician - I ran for dent of an independent
island state
public office because I Photo: Office of the
felt I could make a posi- President Republic of the
tive difference in people’s Marshall Islands
lives in my constituency and
in RMI as a whole. It was never

36 Islands Business, May 2018