By Staff Writer
“You fought for the rights of women in Samoa,..” these are the words that echoed loudest in Parliament this morning at the swearing in of the new women members of Parliament.
The words by the opposition deputy leader Fonotoe Lauofo Meti , ushered in the three newest MPs to officially take over their seats as members.
The long turbulent journey, marred in controversy at the outset, reached the most important chapter at the ‘Maota Fono’ today after more than a year of trying.
Whether it ends here only time will tell in the current, unpredictable state of politics Samoa is in.
For Alataua I sisifo MP Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau, Aleipata itu-i-lalo MP Fagaesealii Sapoa Feagiai and To’omata Nora Leota of Anoama’a 2, it is the end of their long, arduous journey.
“Parliament is now complete, let’s all start to concentrate on our work,” PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa offered in a straight forward, ‘ no nonsense’ welcome to the new MPs.
Speaker Papali’i Taeu Masepa’u took on a more ‘sigh in relief’ tone by praising the morning event as God’s answer to the country’s prayers.
PM Fiame brought the House down to earth again when she reminded that the whole 10% representation legislation for women is to hear their voice in the decision making process in Parliament.
It was this same time last year, 17 May 2021 that the Supreme Court ruled for only 5 women in Parliament.
Today 3 women were sworn in.