Inspiring woman leaders

International Women’s Day was celebrated Saturday evening at Manumea Resort, Vailima with a theme of Inspiring Change.

President of the Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women's Association (P.P.S.E.A.W.A.) in Samoa, Papali’i Dr. Viopapa Annandale- Atherton, welcomed about 30 women – and five men – attending.

“There is so much to say about the accomplishments of Samoan women and there will be opportunities in the future to do more,” she said.

The evening also saw a showing of the film ‘Sao o Tama’ita’i’, a documentary which captures the views of 26 women from diverse backgrounds.

This film was made last year and it attempts to bring out the stories and views of women across several disciplines such as education, engineering, medicine and more.

Samoa National Provident Fund Chief Executive Officer Faumuina Esther Lameko Poutoa delivered the speech for the night.

“I grew up in a family that is deeply rooted in Samoan cultural traditions.”

As a ‘typical Samoan girl’ who grew up in town Faumuina said that she “palu the ava, dance with taualuga, ta’i sua, organise toga for fa’alavelave, cook most of the traditional food and take care of the elderly people.”

Those responsibilities put on her shoulders are normal especially for the eldest girl in a family, she said.

“My parents had no success in tertiary education so they pushed us and my parents were passionate workers who fight against poverty and made sure that we are happy.”

She said that from the time she was in school and up to university his father wanted her to be lawyer.

“I did, I went to Australia - but I had no passion for it.”

Instead of Faumuina has found a career in finance, serving at the national level. Faumuina stated that God created and blessed all with different talents.

“I discovered through my journey, education alone does not guarantee success, education increases your chance to be successful.“Education should be in line with your talents and gifts,” she said.

“Promotion comes only through hard work and by adding passion to your education can you be sure you will succeed.”

Making mistakes also helps reveal answers and helps make sure those mistakes will not be repeated, she said.

“The overall message: if you have education, the passion to work hard and a good character success will come.”

The Pan Pacific Women's Association was established in 1928, in Honolulu, by a group of women with international concerns, hoping to promote peace through understanding and friendship.

In 1955, the name was changed to Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women's Association to more accurately reflect the organisation's expanding area of interest.

At its first international conference the primary focus was the exchange of experiences relating to national problem areas for women and children in and around the Pacific. Since 1930, international conferences have been held approximately every three years, bringing women together for meetings, lectures, workshops, and cultural programmes concerned with women, families and the promotion of peaceful lives for all.