Mothers Day Celebrate & Honour Women in Leadership and Service

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 07 May 2026: Honouring women in leadership and long service across the country is the focus of this years’ National Mothers’ Day celebrations hosted by the Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development.

This year marks 23 years since the Government recognized a National Mother’s Day in May dedicated to honour all mothers and their roles in families, villages, churches, communities and various trades.

Honouring the centenarians
This years National Mothers Day celebrations kicked off this morning where the Ministry of Women acknowledged and honoured women who are 100 years old.

Four known centenarians include Sister Maria Tolotea from Tulaele, Kolotita Leaupepe from Fasito’o, Tausoa Leiua Fata of Fogapoa, and Maelega Talatonu from Vaipu’a.

The Ministry also recognized women who have dedicated long years of service in their villages and presented certificates and gift hampers for their unwavering commitment to their communities.

Some of the services recognized are women in the weaving groups Fale-lalaga who continue to uphold the weaving tradition of fine-mats Ietoga.

Leading such activities are the Women village representatives – Sui Tama’ita’i who persevered in keeping the ietoga tradition alive.

Some of the Sui Tamaiti recognised included Vanessa Tupuola of Aufaga, Fa’ai’u Ugapo of Pu’apu’a, Ailini Fui of Patamea and Olita Lauafia from Foaluga for her long service with the Ministry’s Ietoga Weaving Program.

She expressed gratitude for the recognition, urging unity and cooperation for the betterment of families and villages.

Supporting Women in Service and Advocacy
The event also honoured Fonosaitu Tumua from Luatuanu’u for her long service with the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), where she conducted programs to raise awareness about violence against women and children.

As part of the celebrations, the Ministry organized a poetry competition for young children and participants were asked to describe their mothers and illustrate their roles in families.

Participants included Adonai Ikenasio Auva’a Papa from Sataua, Tumema Laione of Sataua, Avia June from Sapapali’i and Shemayih Rina Lui Ofisa of Apolima-Uta.

The Samoa National Mother’s Day celebration serve as a reminder of the vital roles mothers play in shaping families and society.

Through awards, recognitions, and poetic tributes, Samoa reaffirmed its appreciation for the women who nurture, lead, and inspire the nation.

MWCSD Associate Minister Tilafono David Hunter highlighted the significance of this year’s celebration.

He said that the day recognizes the invaluable contributions of mothers, who serve as the foundation and pillars of every family.

He also explained that 51 constituencies selected a mother representative from their areas, recognizing women who demonstrate leadership and serve as role models for the youth.

Tausala Samoa Iliganoa Feagaima’ali’i Soti Mapu delivered a touching poem titled “Mothers are the Heart of Every Family” during the event, emphasizing the central role mothers play in nurturing and guiding their families.

Sunday will be dedicated to Mothers Day church services across the country and Monday is Mothers Day public holiday.