As we approach Mother's Day, Samoa Observer photojournalist Anetone Sagaga spoke to women on the role women play in families  and what would be the highlight of Mother's Day for them.

Sii Emosi Faalogo (75) Manono Tai

"We mothers are the anchors that hold our families together and if there is no mother within a family, there is a sense of hopelessness and sadness. I thank God for mothers as I had one myself and with the care and love she instilled in me. I will do the same for my children in the years I have left. This year I say the highlight for me is seeing my family happy and that's a job I will continue to uphold."

Marieta Saovao (63) Faleasi'u

"A mother is someone with countless jobs and responsibilities within a family. She rarely rests, she cooks, cleans, and makes sure everyone is happy within the household. She's also a servant of God who serves him and carries out the duties that he has called us for. A mother is someone who will support you to the very end. This year the highlight for me is getting to spend another year with my family and loved ones. So yes a mother's duties in her home are uncountable"

Faifaiiga Leiataua (78) Vaovai Falealili

"A mother is the glue to the family she binds and connects everything with her love and kindness, she heals and she feeds. If she does not exist within a household, then a lot of things fall apart and no one wants that. I am blessed to have witnessed my grand-children and also my children, this is the most important highlight for me."

Simio Benjamin Fruean (63) Levili

"You can never describe the many works a mother does for the family, she is the life of the family. The Bible says, when God created Adam he knew that a mother was needed and here we are. She's an advisor, a warrior, the healer, and the provider of love. Her roles are irreplaceable, I feel sorry for those who have lost their mums but I am here if you need a mother's love. The highlight this year for me is having to wake up every day knowing that there is a living God."

Fono Solofa (69) Toamua

"We as mothers have a really important job in our families, we cook, we feed, we take care of our loved ones, not only in our families but in the ministry and within our village. God has chosen us to fulfill the emptiness that's inside of our households, we provide love and guidance, our words of advice protect our communities, especially our children. Being a mother is hard but a blessing that goes a long way. My highlight as a mother is being able to serve my loved ones and my village.

Moemoe Matautia (51) Vaiee

"A mother's work in their family is not an easy job but God rewards you in unimaginable ways that just makes your work feel noticed and acknowledged. Without us, a lot can happen in the family. The best part about being a mother is having to give joy and love within the household and the family, to care for your family and bring them under your wings of graciousness and care. The highlight of being a mother is to see your family especially your kids grow in success because of the work that I have invested in them."

Rosa Avapalu (60) Tulaele 

"A mother is the life of the family, she is the provider and the advisor that navigates the lives of her loved ones. As a mother myself, it has been a blessing to see my family grow out of the work I do for them, I come here to sell these fabrics to support my children and my family. It's this type of love that a mother has that makes it unique and closer to God's will. The highlight of my life as a mother is acknowledging God's love for guiding me throughout the many years that I was able to give back or help anyone."

Tietie Folasaitu (59) Saoluafata 

"Mothers are those who supply and provide for their families, they are the pillar that everyone seeks advice from when something is needed. Mothers are important in our community and they have always been, without mothers not many wouldn't know how to navigate their lives. A mother is a blessing from God, her love is closer to God's love. The highlight of a mother for me is seeing fruits of success your children get because of the work you contributed in them."