Wave of the Moana event a talanoa of encouragement and inspiration
Updates / Events, 11 Mar 22
The ‘Wave of the Moana’ virtual event hosted by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) in partnership with the Pacific Media Network brought together an inspiring group of Pacific women to share their experiences and life lessons.

The talanoa celebrated International Womens Day and came with stories of resilience, special mentions of role models in their lives and experiences where they have had to and continue to break the bias as a Pacific woman.

For CEO of F’INE and LGBTQ+ rights activist, Phylesha Brown-Acton, bias is something she has faced throughout her whole life. 

“I’ve been experiencing bias since I was a child, in particular for being fakafifine; a trans woman or a trans child. Bias manifested itself in so many different ways. It’s so apparent in so many parts of our ways of being and living.

The key thing for me around understanding bias is that you can’t close yourself off to not understanding how it manifests itself. Once you start to understand how it contributes to putting you in a particular predicament, you can then understand how you navigate processes to deal with it or manage it.”

Phylesha added that meaningful relationships are key in challenging bias as it is a firm reminder that you are not alone.

“Keep those relationships sacred to the people that stand with you and support you through those processes and journeys in how you try to overcome bias in its many shapes and forms.”

For University of Otago Medical student, Machaela Tepai, navigating challenges in her journey as a student was overcome by standing proud in her identity as a Cook Islander.

“The biggest challenge I had coming through school and uni was leaving my Pacific side at home and coming to school with a Western view because in my mind that was the best way to succeed. 

I realized that I have to be me. I can only succeed if I’m my authentic self and in doing so I realized my Cook Islands heritage is who I am. My family, my upbringing and my lived experiences shape who I am.”

Machaela continues to carry her heritage with pride, in pursuit of a profession in the medical field. 

“I’ve overcome these biases and challenges by being who I am and standing on the shoulders of my ancestors, my families. Being myself and being true to me, that’s been a good way to overcome challenges in the healthcare system.”

Head Girl of Ōtāhuhu College and the youngest member of the panel, Itagia Togi Fa’avaoga, shared words of encouragement for young people in school.

“You have to put in the hard mahi [work] to get to where you want to be. Despite the circumstances that we’re in, we have to keep pushing. Keep moving forward and prepare ourselves for our future, our families, our churches and the village behind us.

Once we have a plan and once we’re empowered and inspired, hold on to that dream and put in the hard work so you can make it,” says Itagia. 

Closing off the panel, Phylesha Brown-Acton offered words of empowerment to all Pasifika women.

“Continue to be courageous, continue to be strong, continue to engage. Continue to push down doors, climb walls and build bridges. Be successful together; remember that there’s so much division but when we bring it back to being Pasifika women and remaining firm on that, the world is our oyster and we can achieve so much together.”

 

You can watch the ‘Wave of the Moana’ virtual event via Facebook or YouTube. 

 

#pmafamily #pmaunite

Date: Saturday 12 March 2022