The meri blouse, urohs and island dress are now part of Pacific women's identity, but challenges loom

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