Saoluafata Amosa Va'a stands out as one of the few female taxi drivers in Samoa, a role she embraces with pride and gratitude. 

Once a tailor and businesswoman who ran a small restaurant, Mrs Va'a, 57, describes her experience behind the wheel as one of the greatest privileges of her life.

"I can never thank God for this opportunity and for providing me with the strength to be able to serve our people through this calling," she told the Samoa Observer. While she acknowledges that she is not the first woman to take on this role, she considers it a significant blessing. 

“I’ve chosen this path because I am getting older and I am getting tired of sewing,” she explained, reflecting on her transition from tailoring to taxi driving.

Despite the challenges that come with her new profession, Mrs. Va'a's faith plays a pivotal role in her daily life. 

"It's not easy. Getting up every day around 5 in the morning and getting ready to come is not easy. I come and then wait for my turn and passengers. Sometimes I make really good money, and I also get to take tourists around. But there are also some bad days," she shared candidly.

One ongoing challenge for taxi drivers like Mrs Va'a is the stagnation of taxi fare prices, which have remained unchanged for 14 years. “We are hoping they would change it soon so that it is levelled with the cost of petrol,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for fair compensation in the face of rising living costs.

When asked about the safety of being a female taxi driver in Samoa, Mrs. Va'a expressed her confidence in the culture of respect inherent to Samoan society.

"Yes," she affirmed. "I honestly believe in our Samoan way of respect. When you respect others, especially the passengers, they will respect you. No matter how drunk or dangerous a person can be, once you respect and speak to them with kindness, it will change a lot of things."

Her philosophy is rooted in the idea that a gentle approach can defuse tension: "I honestly believe in that. I know people say it may be challenging and dangerous, but a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Mrs Va'a remains vigilant about her safety. "When it’s getting darker, I call it a day and go home," she said. For her, trust and faith are key to navigating her daily life. "But Samoa is a safe place for girls to be taxi drivers," she concluded, a testament to her commitment and resilience.

She started driving passengers in 1995. But it was temporary. However, in March of this year, after getting a new taxi, she took the job seriously and was committed to her calling.