Samoa Premiers “Resilient Spirit” to Honour the Strength and Leadership of Samoan Women

2026-03-03 - 23:37

Distinguished guests gathered this evening for the official premiere of Resilient Spirit: Samoa Women Warriors, launched by the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo. Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps, church leaders, families, youth, and development partners attended the event, which honours 30 remarkable Samoan women whose leadership and sacrifice have helped shape the nation. The premiere builds on the soft launch of the portrait exhibition during CHOGM 2024 (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting), where the collection was first unveiled to national and international audiences. Tonight’s premiere brings those powerful stories to life through film, deepening the tribute to Samoa’s women leaders. In her keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Molioo reflected on the enduring strength of Samoan women: “For generations, Samoa has been carried forward often quietly on the shoulders of women whose strength did not always seek recognition. Women who stood in silence... but carried everything.” Sailigamalo a Tina ma Tamaʻita’i o Samoa recognises women as the weavers of governance from the home to the village council, from the church to the courts, and into Parliament. The 30 women featured represent not only individual achievement, but the countless Samoan women whose leadership has sustained families and communities across generations. Delivering a heartfelt message, Rev. Martin Taumate expressed his deep gratitude to the 30 women honoured. He acknowledged their service, sacrifice, and unwavering faith, and shared his hope that his daughters and all young girls of Samoa will learn from their courage, leadership, and devotion to family and country. His Excellency Will Robinson, Australian High Commission, Samoa also shared his reflections, noting: “Samoa’s brilliant women warriors have led from long before and will continue to inspire for generations to come. I see that same strength, resilience, and leadership in the many Samoan women living in Australia women who carry their culture, their faith, and their families with pride.” Marking 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Samoa’s commitment to inclusive leadership: “As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, Samoa does not simply speak about gender equality. We show it. We preserve it.” For the remainder of the month, the film will travel throughout Samoa’s districts for community screenings, ensuring families and young people across the country have the opportunity to engage with these stories of resilience and leadership. In the coming weeks, Samoa will present this initiative at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, where Samoa will host its first ever Side Event. The presentation will showcase Samoa’s model of transformative women’s leadership in governance and justice on the global stage. Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola concluded with a message that resonated strongly with those present: “When women rise, governance strengthens. When families are strong, Samoa prospers. And when we preserve our stories, we protect not only our history but our peace.” The Government of Samoa extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Australia for its valued partnership, to UNICEF Pacific for its ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of women and children, and to Taumeasina Island Resort for their generous support. Special acknowledgement is extended to the families of the 30 women honoured and to the families of those who have since passed on. Your continued love, strength, and stewardship of their legacy ensure that their leadership lives on. The premiere of Resilient Spirit: Samoa Women Warriors stands as both a celebration and a national affirmation honouring endurance, sacrifice, and the quiet strength that continues to sustain Samoa.