Page 5 - IB March 2025

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

THE HOME OF STRONG

WOMEN

Publisher & Editor
The attack in Parliament on Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was Netani Rika
unwarranted, uncalled for and most unfortunate.
As Samoa’s first female prime minister, and, before that, the country’s first General Manager
woman cabinet minister, and deputy prime minister, her political credentials are Samantha Magick
without parallel in her own country and across the Pacific.
Early in life, she gave up a potentially lucrative future in New Zealand to return Sales, Marketing & Subscriptions
home and serve the people, following in the footsteps of her father, Fiame Mata’afa Waisale Rokotuiveikau
Faumuina Mulinu’u, Samoa’s first prime minister. Reporters
First elected in 1985, she has been returned to parliament in every election Aisha Azeemah
over four decades, testament to a life of service that has been recognised and Ema Ganivatu
appreciated by the people. Prerna Priyanka
She has also held the Fiame chiefly title since 1978.
If there is any woman in Samoa who has served her time as a champion of the
people and deserves to lead, Fiame is that person. Designer
Fiame has remained unmarried by choice. Dick Lee
It is, therefore, shameful for an elected member of the Fono (parliament) to
stand on the hallowed ground of democracy and proclaim that the Prime Minister Contributors
should marry and receive leadership advice from a husband. Jon Fraenkel
Marriage does not increase a woman’s currency or credibility. Paula Jarzabkowski
When Fuiono Tenina Crichton attacked Fiame’s marital status, his 74-year-old
voice was a reminder that this is how many Pacific men think. Lisa Williams-Lahari
Nic Maclellan
They have been unable to deal with emerging women—educated and articulate—
who have the potential and passion to lead departments, ministries, and nations Sandra Tarte
across the Pacific.
The reality is that for decades, indeed centuries, women have carried the burden
of the Pacific in food gardens, fishing grounds, village fundraising, and homemaking, Islands Business is published monthly by
and have shown their ability to lead well. Front Page Pte Limited
Editorial & Advertising Offices
In agriculture, accounting, and aviation, the church, education, journalism,
GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands
medicine, nursing, politics, and the law, our women have shown repeatedly that Tel: +679 9719660
they can lead on their own merit and without the advice of a significant male figure.
The time has come for Pacific men to give recognition to the women of the region Emails
who have done so much for their people. Editorial: editor@islandsbusiness.com
Subscriptions: subs@islandsbusiness.com
And it is about time that young men are trained in the home to recognise that
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women can also be leaders.
There can be no place in any Pacific parliament for the disparaging comments
made to and about Fiame.
Every Pacific culture holds women in respect. It is time our leaders remember Printing:
that. Printhouse Pacific Pte Limited, Suva, Fiji Islands

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