“I like helping people, that is the most important reason why I have been part of the RCRC movement for such a long time. Otherwise I would not have be able to work in the humanitarian sector for almost forty years. But it is not the only reason. Through the years I have gained multi-skilled learning experiences that have given me the opportunity to offer more support and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I am proud to be a voice to the voiceless, to be the driving force in saving lives and changing minds in our most vulnerable communities. This motivate me to keep doing what I am doing.

When I first started working for the Movement in 1980 I was a Blood Convener and volunteer. I have always been passionate about the Blood Donor Recruitment programme so a personal highlight for me is promoting the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Pacific National Societies and their respective governments between 2002 and 2005. This included the Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation Programs, which means that a person donates blood out of his/her own free will and receives no payment for it. Research shows that these are the safest blood donations. I also worked alongside the Red Cross Societies in Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Palau and the Fiji to achieve the same goal.

Between 1994 and 2000 I was the National Secretary of the Samoa Red Cross Society Board and since 2001 I can call myself the Secretary General of the Samoa Red Cross Society. Besides these changes I have always continued volunteering. I have always been a proud volunteer, together we have done a lot of great things. It is memorable and priceless to see the smiles we put on people’s faces.

Over 38 years I have been able to make positive changes in a lot of people’s lives, thanks to the commitment to the Humanitarian values and the Fundamental Principles of the movement. These commitments empower us as women leaders to make smart choices and effective decisions. I believe that women are the nurtures of this world. We have to hear them, hail them and give them the opportunity to nurture peace among all people. So please, join the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and make a difference.”