Woman laws at Micronesia
Here’s a comprehensive, refreshed overview of women’s legal rights and protections in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM):
1. Constitutional Equality & International Commitments
The FSM Constitution (1978) guarantees equality before the law, prohibits discrimination based on sex, and affirms women’s rights to property ownership, education, and employment
FSM ratified CEDAW in 2003, reinforcing its commitment to eliminate discrimination against women, though compliance with some indicators remains incomplete.
2. Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Legal Protections
There is no national law criminalizing domestic or spousal violence; however, sexual assault (including rape) is prosecuted across FSM's states:
Penalties range between 5 to 10 years imprisonment, potentially higher if a weapon or serious harm is involved.
Traditional and familial conflict resolution approaches often discourage formal prosecution, limiting enforcement efficacy.
State-level progress:
Kosrae enacted its Family Protection Act in 2014 .
Pohnpei established a Domestic Violence Unit and is developing policies and hotlines .
Chuuk hosts a counseling center and multipurpose services, and Yap is drafting relevant legislation.
3. Reproductive Rights & Health
Abortion is legal only to save the woman’s life. All other cases remain prohibited .
Individuals have the right to decide on children’s number, spacing, and timing, with access to contraception and maternal health services provided without discrimination.
4. Gender-Based Violence Policy & Institutional Responses
FSM developed a National Gender Policy (2018) and is working on an End Violence Against Women (EVAW) policy, aimed at eliminating abuse and promoting women's decision-making capacity.
Implementation efforts include training police and judges, launching counseling services, developing clinical care protocols, and offering subsidies for female-headed households.
5. Civil Society & Women's Leadership
The Chuuk Women’s Council (CWC)—representing over 60 women's groups—has led in raising the age of consent to 18, opening the country's first crisis support center for survivors, and promoting gender awareness.
The Yap Women’s Association has long served as a resource liaison between communities and government.
Notable milestone: Perpetua Sappa Konman became the first woman elected to FSM Congress in 2021, re-elected in 2023.
Beauleen Carl-Worswick also made history as FSM’s first female Supreme Court justice, appointed in 2010.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Status |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Equality | Strong protections in place; CEDAW ratified with remaining gaps |
| Domestic Violence | No national law; state-level steps underway; enforcement remains weak |
| Sexual Assault | Criminalized with variable penalties; family influence inhibits reporting |
| Reproductive Rights | Abortion only to save life; general reproductive health rights upheld |
| Gender Policy & Response | EVAW and gender policies in development; training and services expanding |
| Civil Society & Activism | Women’s organizations leading local change and support services |
| Women’s Political Roles | Emerging representation—first woman members in judiciary and legislature |
In summary: FSM has solid legal foundations and international commitments supporting women's equality. Yet, key areas—especially domestic violence, spousal abuse, and access to reproductive rights—need stronger national legislation and enforcement. Progress at state level and from civil society is promising but not yet comprehensive.
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