Preserving tradition in a democratic world

Mechehir Bello’s Story

Aquila Van Kirk Project Analyst (JPO)

UNDP Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia

At 10:30 a.m. on July 9, my colleagues and I pulled into the parking lot of the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center, a majestic building that towers over downtown Koror, Palau.

As we walked through the parking lot, we passed several women in brightly colored dresses. We filed into a large room with red carpet and red curtains. There were two long tables on either side of the room, and two other women sat at a smaller table at the front of the room. They were Mechesil Belau, a Palau women’s organization.

Mechesil Belau is an influential women’s group comprised of traditional leaders from Palau’s 16 states. A reflection of Palau’s strong matriarchal society, the group works to preserve, promote and protect Palau’s unique culture and traditions in an increasingly democratic society.

Each year, Mechesil Belau holds a conference to discuss important social, cultural, and environmental challenges facing Palau. The annual conference is initiated by the Palau government, which attends the conferences and supports the organization in putting the conference recommendations into practice. This September will mark the 31st year of the conference, with the 2024 conference theme being “Healthy Lifestyles.” Through these conferences and their continued advocacy, Mechesil Belau has successfully influenced significant policy changes. They have been instrumental in the passage of 44 national laws, including the notable Family Protection Act (2012) and three amendments to the national constitution. These achievements are a testament to the organization’s effectiveness in translating traditional wisdom into modern governance structures.

During this visit, I benefited a lot from the “Mechesil Belau” organization. The organization plays an important role in appointing Palau’s traditional male chiefs’ council, which in turn provides advice to the Palau National Assembly. Mechesil Belau leader Biron said that democracy combined with tradition can achieve the greatest social results. This is a common feeling when we conducted a gender survey in Palau. We were told that traditional customs are like docks, and the democratic system is the ship – if the ship leaves the dock, then citizens will fall into the gap and eventually sink into the water. Mechesil Belau is both a model of a bridge between tradition and democracy and an advocate for strengthening the connection between the two.

Mechesil Belau places a strong emphasis on youth engagement. The organization uses cultural practices such as farming and food preparation to impart traditional knowledge to Palauan youth while encouraging candid dialogue about the challenges and opportunities facing Palauan citizens. Strengthening social cohesion through inclusive dialogue fosters intergenerational understanding and trust and creates a safe space for individuals and groups to practice culture while expressing modern ideas.

Mechesil Bealau’s continued work to preserve Palau’s rich cultural heritage while advocating for progressive policies demonstrates the vital role traditional women leaders play in shaping the country’s future. As Palau continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, supporting and amplifying the voices of groups like Mechesil Belau is increasingly important.

As global citizens, we all have a responsibility to support initiatives that combine cultural preservation with social change. Whether through awareness-raising, cultural exchange or collaborative projects, there are many ways to engage with and support the important work of groups like Mechesil Belau. Their efforts offer valuable lessons for societies around the world facing similar challenges and opportunities to bridge the gap between traditional practices and democratic institutions.

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