Empowering women, one fan at a time

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 09 March 2017, 12:00AM

Ama Lualima of Fuailolo’o, Mulifanua, is one talented woman. 

She is a skilled handcrafter who specialises in weaving Samoan fans – among other creations.  

So skilful she has secured a business deal with local retailer, the Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B).

The opportunity came through the Economic Empowerment for Women workshop held in her village (see story page 5)

Yesterday, she landed an order for 50 fans.

When Samoa joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Women’s Day yesterday, Ms. Lualima was among women throughout the nation who stepped up to the plate. She has been empowered to make a difference to her family, community and the nation.

When the Samoa Observer spoke with her, Ms. Lualima beamed with pride as she spoke of securing the money-making deal.

 “I’m very happy,” she said. “My fans were selling for five tala but for S.S.A.B. it is for ten tala.” 

Prior to the business deal, Ms. Lualima was selling her fans on the streets.

But thanks to marketing knowledge she received through the Economic Empowerment for Women workshop, she was able to up her marketing skills and break into the global market to sell and advertise her hand-made fans.

And we’re sure we haven’t seen the last of Creations by Ama.  

Her handicrafts can be found online or on Facebook under Komiti Tina Fuailoloo (womens Committe of Fuailoloo) .

The money earned will be going to great a cause.  

As a determined and hardworking woman, Ms. Lualima shared that the profit earned will ease the great financial burden she shoulders.  

With a husband and four children, she is the only one employed and profits will be going toward her children’s schools fees and village obligations.  

The President of the Women’s Committee, Failelupe Mau’u, also shared Ms. Lualima’s excitement and was  just ecstatic to see one her members get a much needed lifeline to a steady income.  

“Yesterday, we received another call from S.S.A.B that one of the ladies told a member of .. that she knows how to weave Samoa fans. 

“She received a call that they needed 50 Samoan fans . 

Maybe we will work in groups so that they can do the things in good quality of things that they should sell. 

The more they work quickly and do  their job.”

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 09 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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