By Staff Reports
(Maui)– For a woman to be seen by her community is a gift. Many work hard behind the scenes, give everything they have to build a stronger community, and work tirelessly to advocate for what they love.
Forty years ago, President Carter established a Women’s History Week. In 1987, the U.S. Congress took this one step further and declared March as National Women’s History Month; a time to celebrate the richness of women leaders and their accomplishments.
As Women’s History Month approaches The County of Maui Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) is once again accepting nominations for its bi-annual “Women of Excellence Awards.” This year’s Women’s History Month celebrates the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, securing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote.
The 2020 theme, “Valiant Women of the Vote” honors “the brave women who fought to win suffrage rights for women, and for the women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.” This year the County of Maui CSW would like to honor women in our community who tirelessly work towards advocating for the rights of women in all capacities.
The CSW is seeking nominations of women who live in the county of Maui within four categories:
– Young Woman of Promise (14-21 years old)
– Woman of Excellence (22 years old to 59)
– Unsung Hero (60 years old and up)
– Honorary Historical Award (Posthumous)
Awardees will be selected based on their actions. Along with the nomination form, nominators are encouraged to submit a short historical anecdote exemplifying how the nominee’s story demonstrates their advocacy for women’s rights.
This is a great opportunity to recognize a mother, aunty, grandmother, friend, student, teacher or work colleague who you believe should be recognized for their hard work in our community. There are so many great role models that don’t get recognized. This is one way we can honor them.
Nomination forms can be found online at www.mauicounty.gov. You can also pick up a nomination form inside the County Building at 200 S. High Street in Wailuku at the information booth in the lobby, or on the 9th floor at the Office of the Mayor.
Nomination forms can be sent via email to Pili.Nahooikaika@co.maui.hi.us
Deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 14, 2020.
“Women of Excellence” winners will be recognized during a Women’s History Month awards presentation on March 24, 2020, from 3-5 p.m. on the 9th floor of the County Building at 200 S. High Street in Wailuku. Recipients of past awards include Kathy “Tita” Collins, Kekai Brown, Stacey Moniz and Tina Garzero.
For more information about this year’s award program, contact Pili Nahooikaika via email at Pili.Nahooikaika@co.maui.hi.us or call (808)270-7855.