The opposition member of parliament Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi raises a valid point. Why were no women chosen to be part of the Council of Deputies?

Early this week, the parliament announced the appointment of Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Malietoa Moli II, and Le Laulu Tiatia Mapesone Mapusua as the three new members of the Council of Deputies.

Lealailepule also raises the question of why Le Mamea Ropati Mualia was not allowed to continue since he has the health to do so.

The Council of Deputies (Sui O Le Fono a Sui Tofia) is a constitutional body. It acts as head of state when the office of the Head of State is vacant or when the incumbent cannot fulfil their duties due to absence or incapacitation.

The constitution established the Council at independence on 1 January 1962. It consists of between one and three members, who are elected by the Legislative Assembly. If there are no members, the Chief Justice acts in their place.

The recent appointment seems like a Deja Vu. It reminds us of the appointment of Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II as the Head of State and the removal of Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi. It feels as if Le Mamea was removed similarly.

By having these important positions, which were originally reserved for holders of aristocratic titles and families by way of their lineage, now being appointed by cabinet with the only requirement of having been a member of parliament, they have lost their sacredness and, in a way, become political.

Hopefully, this will not become a factor when they have to make important decisions. Perhaps an amendment to the Constitution could make it politically neutral or politically equal by allowing a nomination each from the ruling party and the opposition.

It is also time that women are considered members of the Council of Deputies.

There are many accounts of great female chiefs in Samoa’s ancient narratives and genealogies and 19th-century ethnographies and memoirs by missionaries and other foreigners residing in Samoa. Why then have so few women stood for election or won seats in Samoa’s parliament since Samoa’s Independence in 1962?  Why are there no women who have been considered as Head of State or for the Council of Deputies?

An appointment of a woman in the Council of Deputies could open doors for women in traditional leadership roles and more to enter into parliament.

Research in 2014‐15 investigated the reason why few women participate in village government and hold seats in the national parliament. It found that few women living in villages hold matai titles and of those, even fewer are members of the governing village councils. About nineteen villages in Samoa did not recognise a matai title if was held by women, even though this is not a consensus view in those villages.

There is a need to change this narrative. Many would have thought that the appointment of Fiame Naomi Mataafa would open that door but much ground has not been made. More women are holding top jobs in the government. There are considerable women in leadership roles in the private sector as well. We need more women in politics as well.

We congratulate Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Malietoa Moli II, and Le Laulu Tiatia Mapesone Mapusua on their appointment and hope that they use their wisdom and experience to part sound advice to the government for the betterment of the nation.

Have a blessed Friday Samoa.