HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-10KCSWannounceswinnersofthe2021WomensHistoryEssayContestDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: May 10, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ELLEN CHING, ADMINISTRATOR
(808) 241-4917
KCSW announces winners of the 2021 Women’s History Essay Contest
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women (KCSW) has awarded Julia Kailani
Barzilai, Jeslieann Pavao, and Chloe Inouye as the winners of the 2021 Women’s History Essay Contest.
Barzilai, a sophomore at Island School, is the first-place winner of the contest. In her essay, she
describes women as the backbone of society, and highlights her mom and great-grandmother for their
strength and perseverance.
“I wrote this essay as an opportunity to celebrate the women in my life as well as all women
around the world,” said Barzilai. “I hope the essay contributes to the respect women receive every day.”
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the committee invited high school students to write a
one-page essay about a woman who has inspired them. Winners were selected by members of the
KCSW and received a cash prize.
“Julia’s essay spoke to the basic core of what the Status of Women are all about. Jeslieann
honored the Princess’ legacy and Chloe reflected on women’s past and present battle for equality,” said
Chair Regina Carvalho. “We hope you will be as moved and inspired as we were on these young
women’s thought-provoking insight.”
Pavao, a senior attending Kamehameha Schools at Kapālama, placed second in the contest. In
her entry, she writes a poem of great appreciation for Bernice Pauahi Bishop, honoring the life she lived,
the impacts she has made, and the legacy she leaves behind.
“As a pua of Pauahi, I have explored and studied the admirable heart of Princess Bernice Pauahi
Bishop and adored her ability to serve our lāhui with dignity and pride,” Pavao said. “I will forever be
grateful for the things my princess has provided me with. E ola ʻo Kalani, e Pauahi lani nui!”
Inouye, a freshman at Island School, placed third. Her essay reflects on the past and the fight for
women’s rights that still lives on today. She highlights Abigail Adams, one of the first advocates of
women’s rights, for her bravery and voice to stand up for women and how she has inspired her to be
part of the change.
“My essay was written in honor of all the powerful women throughout history that have
inspired us today. Thank you for the opportunity,” she said.
The three winning essays will be posted on the KCSW’s website www.kauai.gov/KCCSW.
The Committee on the Status of Women is part of the County of Kaua‘i Boards and
Commissions, and the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women, which develops and promotes
education, interactive opportunities on issues relating to women and girls, prevention of all forms of
violence against women and girls and encouraging health and wellness awareness.
For more information on the Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women, please visit
www.kauai.gov/KCCSW, or contact the Office of Boards and Commissions, Ellen Ching at
eching@kauai.gov or Sandra Muragin at smuragin@kauai.gov.
From left to right: Julia Barzilai, Jeslieann Pavao, Chloe Inouye
First Place Essay from Julia Barzilai
Second Place Essay from Jeslieann Pavao
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Third Place Essay from Chloe Inouye