By I Lesatele
Unveiled portraits of Samoan women of note at the closing of the CHOGM Forum for Women on Tuesday this week. CHOGM Photo.
Samoan women held in high esteem or referred to as ‘warriors’ were given special recognition this week in Apia at the CHOGM Women’s Forum.
The Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa acknowledge these women as barrier breakers who wove their legacy into the hearts of Samoa.
“Women who have shaped our past, sustain our present and lead us to a future of strength and equality,” PM Fiame hailed.
“They amplify the voice of Samoan women who have been pillars of resilience and courage.”
The portraits of these women were unveiled during the CHOGM Women’s Forum closing ceremony.
A portrait of PM Fiame was included with the distinction of the first woman leader in 59 years since Samoa became independent.
In doing so she followed closely the legacy left by her father, Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II, the first Prime Minister of Samoa, who took the same chiefly title she now holds into office.
Other trailblazers were Tooa Salamasina Tamato Malietoa, the Mau Women. Nafanua, Laulu Fetauimalemau Mataafa, Leaupepe Taulapapa Faimaala, Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu, Dr Aiono Fanaafi Le Tagaloa, Ele Opeloge, Siliniu Lina Chan, Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa
Tooa Salamasina was the first Samoan principal of Papauta Girls College of which she was principal for 50 years Tooa is a prominent figure in cultural education and religious faith.
The Mau Women were were wives, sisters and daughters of the men who were members of the Mau movement which fought for Samoa’s independence.
These women carried on the work of the Mau when the men went into hiding in the bush or when they were imprisoned.
They continued the peaceful protests keeping the movement alive. The Mau women inspired the women of Samoa today to take the lead in social and political movements.
Nafanua is a legendary war goddess of Samoa. A prophetess who prophesied the coming of Christianity.
Laulu Fetauimalemau Mataafa became Samoa’s first female High Commissioner to New Zealand. She was a strong advocate for women’s education and rights. She was instrumental in setting up Samoa’s National Council of Women.
Leaupepe Taulapapa Faimaala Filipo became the first woman Member of Parliament. She became the Deputy Speaker. Leaupepe was the first woman to be a judge of the Land and Titles Court
Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu Samoa’s first female Attorney General. Known for her commitment to legal reform and justice.
Dr Aiono Fanaafi Le Tagaloa was first female Director of Education of Samoa and a pioneer in preserving Samoan language which continues to shape education and cultural identity.
Ele Opeloge is the female weightlifter from Samoa and the Pacific Island region to win a gold medal in the Olympics. She symbolises empowerment in sports.
Siliniu Lina Chang is the President of the Samoa Victim Support Group an advocate for the protection of the victims of abuse, particularly children.
Niava Mata Tuatagaloa is the first female district and supreme court judge.