Watts. “As a woman, I refused to use my family name, so I could just see how far I could go. I never even told my father I was applying for the job I’m in now. My brother in Longshore didn’t know either, until his coworkers asked if I was his sister when they saw my name on an application. But I just knew I had to try as a woman to get it on my own as much as I could. People always talk and I didn’t want them to discredit me as a “I constantly get sh*t for my short stature and the size of my hands. But after attending SIUW and being in the presence of the most beautiful and the most strongest women I have ever met, I have never felt so empowered and focused to break down those barriers and show those people that this 4’10” woman with the little hands will do astronomical things.” -- from Cherise Couch’s (pictured standing) speech at the end of the Women in Leadership seminar. woman.”
The women felt free to acknowledge these kinds of obstacles amongst themselves, and the camaraderie was palpable when it came time for the march.
Strength in numbers
Each of these institutes culminates in something actionable that illustrates the themes the seminars explored daily.
As one of the lessons the instructors stressed in the Collective Bargaining seminar, one of the powers unions have over the employers is risking their public reputation. A demonstration and march like this is never a good look for the company.
The women marched from Ala Moana Hotel to the Ilikai Hotel, protesting the Ilikai management for not bargaining in good faith.
“My favorite part of the Institute was the march. We all showed how strong we are together, and it was so powerful,” said Corin Kekua of Unit 4406 Star Advertiser.
Strength in sisterhood
Kekua summed up her overall experience, “I’ve met so many strong and inspiring women from Hawaii, the US and Canada, and we’ve made bonds to last a lifetime. My recommendation is for everyone to get active and get involved, find out what your union can do for you. If you’re not union, do the research, find out how being in a union can benefit you. I did my research this past week and I’m ready to head back to work, and let my members know I’m here for them, and so is our union!”
The sisterhood was real. “I was going to bring chili pepper water for my California sister to try,” said Miyamoto one day at breakfast.
They say girls are sugar, spice and everything nice. But after the whole Institute and watching the women grow and connect through their shared struggle and triumphs, I’d say they’re more like Miyamoto’s chili pepper water.
Don’t underestimate it or you’ll get burned, brah.
The people united
will never be defeated!
The women united
will never be defeated!
The workers united
will never be defeated!
Chants like the ones on the left rang through the streets of Waikiki. L-R: Tristie Licoan, Leimomi Attwood, Melanie Watts.
Above left photo: a sign on the doors of the conference rooms for the SIUW. Above photo: L-R: Shawna Rapoza, Melanie Watts, Kat Miyamoto, Lolohea Kava, and Tristie Licoan marching in front of the Ilikai Hotel with others from Local 5 Unite Here and over a hundred other women in the conference.
L-R: Kat Miyamoto, Leimomi Attwood, Corin Kekua, Noelani Ramussen, Lolohea Kava and Shawna Rapoza
“I constantly get sh*t for my short stature and the size of my hands. But after attending SIUW and being in the presence of the most beautiful and the most strongest women I have ever met, I have never felt so empowered and focused to break down those barriers and show those people that this 4’10” woman with the little hands will do astronomical things.” -- from Cherise Couch’s (pictured standing) speech at the end of the Women in Leadership seminar.
