FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 03, 2026
Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia — A World Bank Mission met with Secretary Samo of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health and Social Affairs on September 03, 2026, to review progress, implementation challenges, and next steps for the Digital Gender Project.
Secretary Samo emphasized that the project’s activities extend beyond infrastructure or training; they are investments in opportunity, safety, and dignity that will deliver significant benefits for health services and communities. They will help women, youth and other vulnerable groups participate in online markets, access financial and health information, build businesses, and use digital platforms without fear of harassment, exploitation, or violence.
To advance women’s meaningful, safe, and equitable participation in digital technology, the project focuses on several priority areas, including community awareness and digital literacy; women’s economic empowerment; digital infrastructure and access; policy development; and the collection and reporting of sex-disaggregated data.
The World Bank recognized that the project’s digital literacy work is moving beyond outreach and training by leaving participants with tangible, practical skills they can apply in their daily lives, businesses, communities, and workplaces. These skills are intended to help women access online markets, financial and health information, digital services, and other opportunities more safely and effectively.
Although implementation has faced challenges, the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs remains committed to delivering sustainable results. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening coordination, resolving project-specific issues, and accelerating implementation.
The Department of Health and Social Affairs expressed its appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership and support. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that digital transformation in the FSM is innovative, inclusive, safe, and empowering for all.