Anne Pastor, producer of documentaries for Radio France and of the platform “Native women voices”, meets in Polynesia in August 2018 Minarii Chantal Galenon, committed feminist, president of the Polynesian Women’s Council which manages the Pu o te Hau shelter, the only shelter for battered women and their children in Polynesia.
She made her portrait for the platform “Native women voices” highlighting her commitment to these forgotten members of society.
Every day, three women are victims of a violent act out of a population of nearly 300,000 inhabitants. According to a report published in July 2019, this is almost twice as many as in Metropolitan France. An alarming figure. The causes: uprooting, precariousness, alcohol or drugs, the breakdown of the family unit and promiscuity in the home.

“The centre is a haven of peace that allows them to find themselves, regain self-confidence and rebuild their lives.“
This reconstruction also involves various activities, in particular the learning of traditional knowledge while respecting Polynesian values of “sharing, respect and solidarity”.

At the request of Minarii Chantal Galenon, Anne Pastor will lead a workshop during which the participants will discover the radio tool and make a documentary that resembles them. They will record reports according to each one’s centres of interest on the very rich intangible heritage in Polynesia.
Thanks to the microphone in hand, each question will be answered with sincerity and generosity. The objective is to promote the know-how that can be an original model and an alternative to some contemporary problems. Indeed, these vulnerable women will rediscover a know-how that will participate in their reconstruction and life project.
This restitution will be accessible online.

The Foundation for the Promotion of Women and Girls Chanel supports this project through the association En Terre Indigène.

Next in episode 2 : A women’s story

Crédit photo : Danee Hazama

Supported by Air Tahiti Nui

Anne Pastor