The event will feature a panel of talented Pacific women from various backgrounds coming together to explore the themes of intergenerational connection, well-being and this yearsInternational Women’s Day theme – “breaking the bias”. 

PMA member Dr Flora Lutui, will be a part of tomorrow’s event as one of the panelists and is looking forward to the stories that will be shared and exchanged. 

“I look forward to hearing about each other’s experiences. I’ve been through some challenges myself and looking back I wish I had more advice, so I see this as an opportunity to share about the lessons I’ve learned and how I overcame them.

For a lot of Pasifika women, we want to be respectful which is often equated to being quiet but it’s important to speak up and I think International Women’s Day is a reminder of empowerment for us”, says Dr Lutui. 

Paralympian and Gold medalist Tupou Neiufi, will also be joining the panel of Pacific women for the online event. The 20-year-old has represented New Zealand at various sporting events including the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, where Tupou won gold.

“I’m so excited and looking forward to connecting online with some of our beautiful Pasifika women as we come together to share our story on International Women’s Day,” says Tupou.

The online event will be live streamed on Tuesday 8 March, across the PMA and PMN Facebook pages from 5:00pm - 6:00pm. 

See below for the panelists featuring in tomorrow’s event:

Itagia Togi Fa'avaoga - Head Girl of Otahuhu College. 

Tupou Neiufi - Paralympic gold medallist.

Machaela Tepai - University of Otago medical student and PMA member.

Brianna Fruean - Pacific Climate Warrior and activist, youngest Commonwealth Youth Award winner.

Phylesha Brown-Acton - CEO of F’INE, LGBTQ+ rights activist.

Dr Flora Lutui - Paediatric Doctor and recipient of the PMA scholarship (International Study Award).

#pmaunite #pmafamily

Date: Monday 7 March 2022