Strength+Beauty: The Empowerment of Young Polynesian Women
What defines a young woman's journey in life is her value of tradition, culture and people. As the Tongan proverb says, "Mo'ui manatu ki ho tupu'anga" (Live a life in constant remembrance of your origin/ancestors). This quote reminds us that we should never forget where we came from and to always remember those who have come before us.
The day was filled with emotions of the past and the honoring of Polynesian women worldwide and the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. It was also a day filled with great empowerment and wisdom with each young woman braving her voice and telling her story. Young and old women sat together now encouraged and strengthen by their own will to succeed in life. As traditional dances were being performed it reminded us as young Polynesian women what titles we hold, what values we share and what traditions we keep. It also gave us a reason to remember that in our culture we are more than just women, we are grandmothers, mothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and last but not least warriors.
Every eye was kept on each young woman that performed watching as the gracefulness of her hands were revealed, the beauty of her structure and the culture of her song in itself was revived with each performance. Even though the Anchorage Museum was opening that day, we had our own rendition of a museum at the event. Display tables were set in the back to show the true craftsmanship of the arts from Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii. Items such as tapa, baskets, fans, mats and wooden masks were displayed. This shows the hard work and dedication that Polynesian women put in creating more than just the arts and crafts that people see but the heart that is put in the work in showing its true beauty and value to our culture.
As Strength+Beauty T-shirts were given out and worn and Spasifik Magazines were being read, it showed that the excitement and the support of the event was more than a success but a day that Polynesian people were being recognized for their achievements and accomplishments and not criticized or judged by the negative stereotypes that Polynesians are known for.
To this day I still see young Polynesian women wearing their Strength+Beauty T-shirts showing that they are proud to be young Polynesian women supporting each other through their efforts and their causes. There's more to what I see that represents a young Polynesian, it's the true value of her work and her dedication that each woman brings to her family that we are honored and respected. I am proud to say that this event will continue each year to bring about the goodness of our culture and remind us young Polynesian women we are more than what other people think of us, we are women of honor, respect, wisdom, strength and beauty.
Malo Aupito to ALL the supporters of this event, the sponsors and the people who attended!
Ofa Lahi Atu!
Elisiva Gallardo
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