The will of women: an Islander’s perspective?
In my homeland we have a saying that goes, “e au le inailau a I tama’ita’i”, which translates to “women can achieve anything and gets things done”. The story about this proverb is explained by one of the most successful business owners in Samoa, Mrs. Fiti Leung Wai in her column with our local Samoa Observer newspaper.??
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“This Samoan saying originated from the village of Falealupo. Tautunu, a chief of Falealupo had asked his village if they can build a house for him. After the house was built, the thatching of the roof was divided amongst the aumaga (untitled men) and the aualuma (women). The women worked faster than the men as their row of thatching reached the top first thus completing their side of the house.”?
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At the international level, there is no doubt the presence of women in all levels is felt throughout world-wide. Women in high-ranking positions within the United Nations; the Deputy Secretary General, the President of ECOSOC, Vice President of the 蘑菇视频 General Assembly, and countless Permanent Representatives to name but a few amongst other senior-level positions within the 蘑菇视频 but also worldwide.?
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Although lacking behind in various fronts, the Pacific region has been making significant strides in advancing women’s rights and gender equality. In recent years, Pacific Island countries have introduced laws and policies to address gender-based violence, promote women’s economic empowerment, and increase women’s political participation.?
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Pacific Island countries have continued to introduce policies and programs to address gender-based violence. In Tonga, for example, the government has introduced a national action plan to address violence against women and girls. The plan includes measures to strengthen legal frameworks, increase access to support services for survivors of violence, and promote gender equality in schools.?
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Closer to heart at home, the ‘10 per cent law’ introduced through a 2013 constitutional amendment mandates a minimum level of women’s political representation. If this threshold is not met at a general election, the highest-polling unsuccessful women candidates can take up additional seats in parliament to meet the quota. Although, it is not the best solution, but it is a step the right direction.?
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Fast forward to the elections in 2021, Samoa saw the election of the first ever female Prime Minister in along with the highest ever representation of female parliamentarians to date. Although it may seem there is still a long way to go with most of the parliamentarians being men. What the people don’t usually appreciate is the significant number of women who are in Chief Executives and management roles of government ministries, private sector and NGO’s in Samoa.?
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At the community level, women continue to lead community work on primary health care. They are also leaders in church groups and women’s committee where they work on preserving and creating Samoa’s precious traditional fine mats and more.?
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In my whole life, I have looked up to my mother who is an extraordinary woman, I have seen her through the rough and good times and still manages to get things done. For my education which I am sure it is the same for most people, 90% of my teachers were women. Since I have started work, 99% of my supervisors have been women and all whom I admire and appreciate so much because of their dedication and commitment.?
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To all the women in the world, you are resilient and you are amazing!?