Celebrating women who tell stories was the theme of an event, hosted by First Lady Ella Mauga and Mrs. Marian Ale, at Lee Auditorium last evening, which brought together women from all walks of life across the territory.
Women in government, church, business and community. It was to celebrate National Women’s History Month.
Emceed by Peseta Tialuga Seloti, Director of the Samoan Language Commission, it was a festive and cordial evening for and by women with a wide mix of ages, professions, and faiths.
Samoan was used throughout the whole program, as March is Samoan Language Month.
Faletua Patricia Fuiava gave the opening prayer and a spiritual message based on the parable of the ten bridesmaids. She said that when the Lord calls each person, it’s an individual calling.
There was a moving video tribute by the First Lady to women of American Samoa who have passed on, leaving their mark on Tutuila, Aunuu, Manu’a and Swains. While the video played, Mrs. Mauga played the guitar and sang…
Play Audio lau-lupe1
Daughters and granddaughters of some of the women pioneers shown in the video were in the audience.
Addressing the guests, the First Lady highlighted the role of women in nurturing, molding and keeping families together—a role which also extends to other sectors of society. She also urged women to continue to tell and share their stories.
Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese, wife of Samoa’s former Head of State Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese, also spoke. She told the story of her mother, the wife of a Faifeau, and how her teachings have influenced her life, particularly about the power of prayer.
Mrs. Tofiga Tufele, wife of the first locally elected Lt. Governor of American Samoa and a retired nurse, also encouraged women to remain prayerful and carry on their different roles for the good of the territory.
At the end of the evening, Mrs. Marian Ale, wife of Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale, expressed appreciation to all the invitees before she and the First Lady danced the taualuga joined by many of the guests.
