The head of Federated States of Micronesia's gender development programme says a bill designating seats for women will trigger discussion about women's rights at the very least.
FSM has no women in congress, and the bill, sponsored by speaker Isaac Figir would make 4 seats for women, increasing the total number to 18.
Jane Elymore says women know they're entitled to run, and many are qualified, but they need to be taught what's happening at the decision making level.
"You cannot compete with your brothers or cousins or uncles who have already run for the seats, and who are seated. It's just the way the custom and the tradition tell the women not to stand up for things like that."
Jane Elymore says hopefully the bill will start discussion, and enable women to stand up for their rights, whenever it becomes law.
