Saunoaga a le Minisita o Tina ma Tamaitai le afioga Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o i le faalauiloa o le polokalame “Ia fa’ae’e Mālama: Resilient Spirit Portraits of Samoa Women Warriors Initiative”.

SAMOA, October 10 - (Aso Tofi 10 Oketopa 2024, 9.00 i le taeao.)

Talofa Lava,

E iate au le fiafia tele e faalauiloa atu le amataga aloaia o se tasi o polokalame a le Matagaluega e taua o le “Ia fa’ae’e Mālama: Resilient Spirit Portraits of Samoa Women Warriors Initiative”.

O lenei taumafaiga, o se tasi o galuega faaauau a le Matagaluega aua le tapisaina o le sao taua o tina ma tamaitai I atinae o aiga, nuu, ekalesia faapea Samoa atoa. O se fatu na toto mai i le faamanatuina o le Aso Faapitoa o Tina (International Women’s Day) ia Mati o le tausaga nei, lea ua fua mai ile asō.

O le auga o lenei taumafaiga, ia aloaia le faamaumauga o le talafaasolopito o Tina ma Tamaitai ua iloga le latou sao ile atinaega o Samoa I so o se vaega o le soifugaga. O nei faamaumauga e auala mai I ata tusia (portraits), o se tusi (book) faapea se ata (documentary), o le a avea ma punaoa faa le aoaoga, e faalauaitele ai taumafaiga eseese o lo o taimua ai tina ma tamaitai Samoa. O le a atagia mai i lenei polokalame, le tele o mātā ti’a ua ausia e tina ma tamaitai, ma o mātā ti’a e faaosofia ai le soifua tauivi ma le naunau ia atinae samoa mo a tatou tupulaga talavou faapea le fanau lalovaoa.

O le auga tonu lenei o le Ia fa’ae’e mālama, aua o nei mātā ti’a uma e tuulima atu, e tuugutu atu ma fae’e atu ma le faamoemoe e faaosofia ai moegaluaga o tupulaga fai mai ia fai measili mo Samoa.

O le tatalo, ia avea le faataitaiga lelei ua faia e nei tima ma tamaitai iloga e tapena ai leisi tupulaga o taitai I Samoa e alolofa I so tatou atunuu ma avea a latou taumafaiga ma auala o manuia mo le atunuu lautele.

O sei tasi lenei o faamamafa a le tatou malo, o loo I le tatou Fuafauga o Atinae o Nuu ma Afioga (Community Sector Plan 2024-2028) .

O lenei faamoemoe e amata atu ile asō e o o lava ile faamanautina o le Aso Faapitoa o Tina (International Women’s Day) 2025.

O lo o iai foi le fuafuaga e faao’o atu lenei polokalame i Fono Faavae uma e 51 I le lumanai.

Oute fia faaleo ai foi le agaga faafetai ile Malo o Ausitalia I lau susuga I le Komisina Will Robinson faapea le sui o le UNICEF Khein mo le faatupeina o lenei polokalame taua. O le sao taua lenei o a tatou paaga mo le lagolagoina o atinae mo le atunu’u.

Lotolotoi le agaga o le atua I lenei faamoemoe aua se manuia mo Samoa a taeao

Soifua

Minister of Ministry of Women Community and Social Development afioga Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o LAUNCH SPEECH: Ia fa’ae’e mālama: “Resilient Spirit: Portraits of Samoa’s Women Warriors”

Talofa lava,

Today we gather to celebrate the untold stories of our mothers and women—leaders who have shaped the course of governance in Samoa with their wisdom, resilience, and compassion. Mothers, often the unsung heroes, have forged unity within families and communities, embodying the strength that nurtures and sustains our society.

It is with immense pride that we launch Ia fa’ae’e Mālama: “Resilient Spirit: Portraits of Samoa’s Women Warriors,” a comprehensive project that includes powerful portraits, a two-part documentary series, and a forthcoming book. This initiative honors the indomitable spirit of Samoan women, past and present, and aligns with Samoa’s long history of advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). Samoan women have always been the backbone of governance, family, and community leadership.

I always believe, “In the heart of Samoa, mothers weave the fabric of our future with threads of wisdom, compassion, and resilience.” This sentiment beautifully reflects the essence of this project.

From the ancient times of Nafanua, a revered toa (warrior) and ali’i (chief) from the Sā Tonumaipe’a clan, who held four paramount pāpā titles, to Queen Salamasina in the 1500s, who epitomized leadership and diplomacy through her Tafa‘ifā status, Samoan women have long been central to our governance and cultural identity.

Fast forward to more recent history, we acknowledge trailblazers like the Honorable Laulu Fetauimalemau Mataafa a stateswoman, traditional leader and whose legacy continues through her daughter, Honorable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, a distinguished leader with over 30 years of service in Parliament, now serving as Samoa’s first female Prime Minister.

The “Resilient Spirit” initiative celebrates the significant roles our women have played in shaping Samoa’s governance, economy, and social progress. Samoan women are regarded as tamasā(sacred offspring), a reflection of their esteemed place in families and communities. Through the concept of feagaiga (sacred covenant), women are seen as the foundation of harmony and peace, a role deeply respected in our cultural framework.

However, despite their profound contributions, Samoan women often face systemic barriers and intersecting forms of violence and discrimination. Their dual responsibilities in economic and domestic roles frequently leave them time-poor, limiting their formal representation in leadership. Yet, their resilience and ability to rise above these challenges is what we honour today.

Through roadshows and Fofola le Fala talanoa sessions in 51 districts, this project captures and shares the remarkable stories of Samoa’s women warriors. The portrait exhibition will further illuminate their resilience, and the accompanying two-part documentary will delve deeply into their influence and legacy. The upcoming book will serve as a lasting tribute to the strength and leadership of these remarkable women.

With the support of DFAT and UNICEF Pacific, “Resilient Spirit” is not just a celebration but a strategic initiative to pave the way for a more inclusive future. By launching an e-hub that provides crucial support for women and children in need, this project underscores our commitment to gender equality, empowerment, and social inclusion through Samoan lenses, context and settings.

Aligned with Samoa’s national development goals, this initiative contributes to gender policies, drives economic growth, and enhances health and education outcomes. Our expected outcomes include a renewed sense of national pride, recognition of women’s invaluable contributions, heightened awareness of GESI, and increased involvement of women in governance and decision-making.

“Resilient Spirit: Portraits of Samoa’s Women Warriors” is more than just a project—it is a movement. It honors the women who paved the way for us and inspires future generations to continue that legacy. By celebrating the stories of Samoan women—the true warriors of our society—we build a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive future.

Ia fa’ae’e Mālama,

These women warriors uplift their communities by “raising the light”, whether through governance, caregiving, or leading in times of crisis. They serve as role models, showing that despite hardships, they continue to shine and inspire others to do the same. The community can internalize and embrace this message by:

1. Recognizing the strength in adversity: Just as light overcomes darkness, these women demonstrate that challenges can be met with strength and resilience.

2. Fostering unity and support: The light symbolized by these women is not only personal strength but a collective power, urging the community to come together and uplift one another.

3. Embracing action and leadership: The quote calls for action—to not only see the light but to actively raise it, echoing the need for communities to participate in positive change and embrace the leadership of these women.

In essence, “Ia Fa’ae’e Malama” becomes a call for the community to recognize the guiding light of their women warriors and be inspired to elevate their own contributions for the collective good.

Thank you, and may we continue to walk forward with pride and purpose, guided by the strength of Samoa’s women warriors.

Soifua ma ia Manuia.

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)

October 20, 2024