The urohs – a skirt with intricate embroidery – has cultural and economic significance to the women of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.

This passion is shared by many of us women across the Pacific, whether it's a mu'u mu'u, a meri blouse, a puletasi or an island dress.

This clothing was introduced by missionaries for so-called modesty, but since then women have embraced it and made it their own.

But as our fashion industry grows, so do the threats.

Mass production overseas is creating a new challenge for the urohs, while other parts of the Pacific face the theft of motifs and icons.

How do we protect this fashion that's become part of our culture?

Hear from Dr Emelihter Kihleng, who did her PhD dissertation on the Pohnpei skirt and her first published collection of poems is entitled Urohs.

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on the 1st August 2024

The Pacific region, has some of the highest rates of gender-based abuse in the world.

Far too many women suffer physical and sexual violence at the hands of a family member or a former spouse.

But domestic abuse is not just physical. It can come in the form of emotional abuse — like controlling behaviour, isolation, and insults intended to damage a woman's state of mind.

This week on Sistas Let's Talk, Natasha Meten speaks to survivor and advocate Alicia Sahib, human rights defender Anne Pakoa and Renata Netaf from the Bible Society of the South Pacific.

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on14th November 2024

Grandmothers are not only a great source of wisdom and traditional knowledge, they also play a nurturing and vital role in our lives.

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 6th February 2025

When the only social security available is the extended family, women can be left financially vulnerable with the death or divorce of their husband. 

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 16th November 2022

While the film industry is notoriously difficult for women and people of colour to break into, there are female filmmakers from the Pacific using the medium to tell important and beautiful Pacific stories.

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 16th January 2025

Most women suffer from period pain, but the majority simply push through it. How different would women’s lives be if they gave period pain the care and treatment it deserves. 

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 7th September 2023

In the Marshall Islands, a baby turning one is a big celebration. It’s known as the kemem. The occasion is usually marked with a big gathering with lots of food and entertainment, perhaps a live band or a DJ along with traditional singing. There can be themes, rides and t-shirts bearing the baby’s face plus gifts for all the guests. But this tradition comes from an important place. Sistas, Let’s Talk learns about the customs and history when it comes to the kemem as well as post-partum practices of Marshallese women.   

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 12th October 2023

Hilda Wayne explores why fewer Pacific Island women are using birth control today.

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 6th April 2022

Have you heard of the Haus Man? In Papua New Guinea, it's a ceremonial house for men only where rules are made to keep peace and harmony in the village.

But if no women are allowed, how can these decisions be in the best interests of women? And could there be another way?

The Haus Meri is an important space for women, and there's a growing movement to see it gain a political voice both at the community and the national level.

In this episode, three women talk about how the old can blend with the new.

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 18th July 2024

What do you know about perimenopause? I would guess not very much. And that’s because we never speak about it – and that’s not just in the Pacific. It’s worldwide. But Sistas, Let’s Talk is going to break it down for you and find out everything you need to know about the changes our bodies can go through in the lead up to menopause…. As well as why it’s so important to know about them.

This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 19th October 2023