Strengthen, Empower, Unite, or SEU, is the mission of a newly formed group for, of and by women, the Women’s Coalition of American Samoa (WCAS).
The group held a press conference yesterday to introduce their leaders and explain the aims of their organization.
Leaders of WCAS are:
- Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin Finau, President
- Faafeo Lagafuaina, Vice President
- Fatumalala Leuluai Al-Shehri, Secretary
- Talalatou Vaega, Treasurer
- Luisa Lealaifaletele Suesue Kuaea, Public Relations
- Moemoe Singh, Chaplain
- Faalagiga Tuaau Glaude, Special Advisor
- Francis Andre Glaude, Special Advisor
- Mona Uli, Community Educator
Making the voice of women heard is one of the key objectives of the coalition, as explained by Public Relations officer, Luisa Kuaea.
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WCAS’ first activity, being planned in partnership with the Department of Youth and Women Affairs, is a leadership luncheon featuring keynote speaker Manufou Liaiga Anoai.
In 2012, she was the first Pacific islander to be appointed on the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women and served for 10 years as a Commissioner and Vice President. She was inducted in May 2022, as one of the first Pacific Islanders to the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her 35 years of service and advocacy.
The coalition welcomes Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga’s proclamation of March as Women’s History Month in American Samoa. In his proclamation, the Governor urged the territory to hold appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities to remember the contributions of courageous women who have made our nation strong.
The luncheon, featuring Liaiga Anoa’i as guest speaker, is one such activity. It will be held at the ASCC Lecture Hall from 11:30am to 2pm and the public is invited.
