A Celebration of Tokelauan Women

Last week the Fatupaepae of Tokelau (the various Women's organisations of Atafu, Nukunou and Fakaofo) met in Nukunonu from 6th to the 13th of March 2008 to celebrate women of Tokelau and discuss ways to further improve their economic empowerment. The 8 days national gathering of approximately 150 women were filled with colourful events including a national beauty pageant and a national economic summit for women.

"The event was a success" said Lise Suveinakama, Senior Advisor to the Office of the Ongoing Government of Tokelau, who helped to organise the events in Nukunonu.

"While we often talk about protecting our women and girls in Tokelau, it was fantastic to see these events taking place right before our eyes.

This is the first time the women have had an opportunity to celebrate what it means to be a woman of Tokelau, and they all participated enthusiastically. The men of Tokelau were also very supportive during these events."

The Economic Summit culminated in a handicrafts market, where women from all three atolls of Atafu, Fakaofo and Nukunonu presented for sale the handicrafts that they had spent months working on. The Economic Summit was also an opportunity to showcase the need for the handicraft making skills to be passed on to younger women, and the women also decided to further investigate the possibility of marketing their handicrafts outside Tokelau. "The market day was a great success and all the items were sold almost as soon as they were placed on the tables" said Lise Suveinakama.

The inaugural Miss Tokelau Pageant was also an astounding success where Joanne O'Brien of Atafu was crowned Miss Tokelau 2008 . Many Tokelauans attended to watch and were overwhelmed with pride to see their young "tifa" (pearls) displayed the grace and beauty of Tokelau culture. The culmination of the skills and pride of these young "tautiti" (young ladies) and supported by the Fatupaepae and Men of Tokelau provided more reasons for the women to celebrate these successful events.

The Pageant came about after concerns were raised that the young women of Tokelau were suffering from a lack of self- esteem and opportunities; and the traditional concept of a Tokelau Tautiti was reiterated throughout the event. The Fatupaepae have yet to decide whether the Miss Tokelau Pageant will become an annual event, giving many more girls the opportunity to learn new skills, display confidence and to take privilege of being a role model for other young Tokelauan girls.

The events were funded by the Government of Tokelau and supported by the Villages and some businesses from Samoa. The attendances of all the 6 members of the Council of the Ongoing Government of Tokelau demonstrated the commitment of the Government of Tokelau to support and promote the development of Tokelau women.

For more information, please contact Lise Suveinakama, telephone number 20822.