Dame Whina Cooper
A leader in her own right Maori activist Dame Whina Cooper revolutionized the rights for all Maoris by engaging in issues such as land rights and social justice and actively protesting for these issues to protect and preserve the Maori culture and its people. As the daughter of tribal chief, Heremia Te Wake, Cooper identified with her father's role as a leader and became more than just a leader within the Maori culture but a influential woman that would carry on a legacy that would live through the roots of the land and its people. Cooper led her first protest at the age of 18 concerning the draining of a local swamp. This would then jump start her on a journey of being more than just an activist but a mother to her people. In 1951 she would become the first president for the Maori Women's Welfare League through which she fought for issues such as health care and an increased role for women in native Maori rights.
Dame Whina Cooper, you are more than just an inspiration but a woman of great strength and courage. Defying the old ways you brought forth a generation of Pasifika women that would look to all your accomplishments and achievements and be proud of all the hard work and efforts that you have put forth in seeing the Maori culture thrive.
On the behalf of all Pasifika women we honor you in all your work and give acknowledgement to the amazing role you played in reminding us Pasifika women what we are made out of.
Malo Aupito,
Elisiva Gallardo
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