Women’s History Month celebrated in American Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Governor’s Mansion welcomed the Women’s Coalition of American Samoa (WCAS) for a historic and heartfelt evening of connection, reflection, and inspiration. The theme for the evening was “Moving Forward Together — Women Educating and Inspiring Generations”.

Hosted by First Lady Dr. Lois Pula, the event honored the strength, resilience, and lifelong contributions of women across generations and sectors.

Dr. Pula was introduced as a powerful example of perseverance, purpose, and passion. A proud advocate for lifelong learning and women’s voices, she began her college journey at age 50 and later earned her Ph.D. in 2011. Her work in education and strategic communications has helped shape leaders. With grace and humor, she shared her personal story and reminded everyone that leadership comes in many forms and that it’s never too late to walk in your purpose.

WCAS President Vaitinasa offered an overview of the Coalition’s mission, grounding her message in the Samoan proverb: “Le au ina’ilau a tina, e au le ina’ilau a tama’ita’i” — a reminder that women accomplish great things when they move forward with purpose and unity.

She also emphasized the mission of WCAS: to Strengthen, Empower, and Unite (SEU) the women of American Samoa ensuring that their voices are heard, their leadership is recognized, and their contributions continue to shape the future of the territory.

The evening closed with a renewed commitment to uplift one another and ensure that the next generation of women continues to rise together.

 IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN IN OUR SAMOAN CULTURE

Highlighting the importance of women in the Samoan culture, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata offered the following remarks in a statement from Washington noting that as Women’s History Month comes to a close that “women are central and needed in any culture, and throughout the United States.”

Uifa’atali’s Statement

The women and girls of our islands make us proud by excelling in beautiful traditional roles, and in modern opportunities of education, leadership, business and military.

My personal example of a strong Samoan woman is my grandmother on my father’s side — amazing strength, resilience, and vision for her family. She didn’t know English, and her husband passed while she had young children. One by one, she sent her children off to Hawaii, as she understood their need to learn English and have access to a bigger future. She is the woman behind our first ever Samoan governor. 

I know I’m not alone in looking back on such strong women. Like me, you will think of one from your own family — your grandmother, mother, big sister, or auntie! They are our difference-makers, and now it’s our turn to point the way to each generation of difference-makers to follow. 

As American Samoa’s first female representative to Congress, I am especially aware that I would not be where I am without the examples and sacrifices of the women that went before.

My first act as a new Member of Congress now more than ten years ago was to hire our islands’ first Service Academy attendee and graduate, Col. Leafaina Tavai. Now, she uses that experience in leading our offices, including managing our Service Academy nominations program, which is one more way we see our young people making their way with bright futures.  

In the Samoan culture, women have always held exalted positions. From Taemā and Tilafaigā to the women of today, Samoan women have helped show the way, including fighting for and defending our people.

Last evening, in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman De La Cruz organized a Special Order for Women’s History Month. It also fell on the 30th Anniversary of the tragic and untimely passing of one of America’ great female singers — Selena — the Queen of Tejano music. A beautiful Texas girl of Mexican ancestry lost to us at the unbearably young age of 23.

We love music in our islands, and she still inspires and spreads happiness with her songs and grace. She will surely be honored in the new Women’s History Museum, as will some of our Pacific Islander women – we’ll save them some space in it! In 2021, Congress passed the creation of a National Women’s History Museum in connection with the Smithsonian Institution with a location on the famed National Mall.

The Women’s History Museum will preserve stories about the exceptional lives of so many women, from so many backgrounds, influencing so much of our American culture – and the great melting pot that it is! We rejoice in the successes of America’s women and our part as the women of American Samoa.

So, as we end Women’s History Month, we think of our wonderful Samoan women in our history, in our homes, and in the hallways of schools, businesses, and barracks. They are making us proud! 

Fa’afetai. Soifua ma ia manuia.”