The Filipino Women’s League (FWL) was founded in 1970 by Dr. Cora Manayan. Dr. Manayan was concerned about Hawaiʻi’s Filipino plantation workers found isolated in dilapidated living quarters in poor health and she was also worried about the youth. Several FWL chapters were organized on Oahu, however the only active chapter at present is in Pearl City.
Their theme “Magsamasama Tayo (Let’s Get Together)” broadens members’ opportunities to achieve personal and professional growth through leadership and community participation.
Today the FWL continues to encourage better understanding and appreciation of Filipino heritage and culture, undertaking many service projects throughout the year, providing community service and outreach, volunteering, and awarding scholarships to high school graduates seeking higher education within the State of Hawaiʻi. The FWL is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which raises scholarship funds through plant and cookbook sales, donations and other events. Their cookbook, “Favorite Recipes of Hawaii Filipinos”, was the first Hawaiʻi-Filipino cookbook published in Hawaiʻi. The cookbook is now called “Favorite Recipes of Hawaii Filipinas and Friends” and is available through the FWL website. Please consider ordering a copy! Besides containing delicious recipes, it is a wonderful way to support the FWL scholarships. The FWL also raises funds for its scholarships via direct donations and at events such as plant sales.
For more information about the FWL, please visit https://filipinowomensleague.org
Also see the interview on Olelo with 2018 FWL President Liz Rahr at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRBvEsZQq_U&list=PLnr53rBAcZidwcL2e5pI1ZLo0LeVGB5b7&index=63
