Linked with 60 Women contributing to the 60 years of UNESCO.
She is one of the 1000 women proposed for the Nobel Peace Price 2005.
She says: « A defining moment in my life: we two – the oldest member of Parliament, from a very traditional village and me, the youngest member and a female, walking into Parliament together holding hands ».
She writes also: « … My most ardent wish is that by 2015, despite missed deadlines thus far, we will have achieved the set goals. Our sub-region of small island states is working hard to hold up our art of the sky through collaborative efforts … « (Read all on page 153 of ’60 women write … ‘, an UNESCO pdf-text).
Fiame Naomi Mataafa – Samoa
She works for the Samoa Young Women’s Christian Association YWCA, the National Council of Women, and the Inailau Women’s Leadership Network IWLN.
For over 30 years, Fiame Mataafa has worked on, and been a role model for, promoting and advocating socio-economic and political equality for women and girls in Samoa, through her NGO involvements and her role as politician and Minister of Education. The mentoring of young women leaders is a specific focus, as is a community education program focusing on literacy and business skills training for people with special needs, a first of its kind for Samoa. She effectively bridges and mediates modern and customary faaSamoa (Samoan way of life) ways for herself and for Samoan women and girls. (Read all on 1000peacewomen).
Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is a Samoan high chief and politician. She is a Member of Parliament (HRPP) for the constituency of Lotofaga.
She is the current Ministry of Women, Community & Social Developmnent in Samoa. Following the March 2006 general elections in which she was reelected for a fourth term she was nominated by Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to her new portfolio at her request. She was Minister of Education for 15 years (three terms). She is one of the most senior members of Cabinet and the only female member of Cabinet. The daughter of Samoa’s first Prime Minister, Fiame Fauminua Mata’afa Munilnu’u II and Laulu Fetauimalemau Mata’afa. She was pursuing studies in New Zealand when she was recalled by her extended family to take up one of her father’s titles, Fiame from Lotofaga. Following her father’s death her mother had become the member of parliament for the constituency of Lotofaga. On Laulu Fetaui’s retirement from politics Fiame Naomi contested the seat and was elected. She has held the seat since then. (see more on wikipedia).
links:
List of Framers of the Constitution of Samoa (with Fiame Mataafa) on wikipedia;
International Council of Women;
UMUSAGA FALEA’OGA AOGA MAUALUGA ASAU, SAUNOAGA MINISITA O AOGA AFIOGA FIAME NAOMI, Asau, aso 20 Me 2004 (in Samoa language);
Royal welcome at gathering in Samoa, From Bahá’í World News Service