Masiofo Laulu Fetauimalemau Mataafa
Samoalive's personality for this week is the well-known Samoan lady who
has played an important role in the shaping of modern Samoa. A mother, teacher,
matai, academic, politician, community leader, diplomat and international
advisor. To many, the photo of the late first Samoan Prime Minister,
Afioga Mataafa Fiame Mulinuu II and his Masiofo Laulu Fetauimalemau Mataafa
casting their votes for the "Pelepesite" at the Lepea women's committee house,
not only projected an air of confidence in future of the country but also the
start of a promising stable period in Samoan politics during the 1960s and
first half of the 1970s..
As the Masiofo of the first Samoan Prime Minister Laulu Featuimalemau was
and still is one of the most progressive Samoan women in lifting the
status of women in Samoa. As the founding mother of the Samoan National Council
of Women, Masiofo Laulu Fetauimalemau Mataafa was and still is active in the
organisation of the village committees of the Council. (She was first elected
President of the Women's Committees in 1961 and then the National Council of
Women, for a period of at least 25 years) Her strong natural leadership
qualities made her a popular member of a wide range of national and
international organisations. (She was Pro-Chancellor of the University of the
South Pacific in 1970.She was a prominent member of the International Nestle
Infant Formula Audit Commission for a number of years. She was also the
International Secretary of the Pan-Pacific and South East Asia Women's
Association. In addition to becoming a Member of Parliament late 1970s and early
1980s, she also became Samoa's High Commissioner to New Zealand)