“Women in distress exist in the world. We must all stand together to move forward. So let’s all hold hands and walk together towards a better future.”
During a radio workshop that took place from July 28 to August 9, 2020, at the Pu O Teau home in Papeete, eight women wanted to make a documentary that reflects them. Each woman chose a subject that is dear to her. Microphone in hand, the voice well placed, each question is nourished by sincerity and generosity.
Through their reports, the power, the beauty but also the wisdom of these resilient women who are rebuilding themselves day after day.
Maeva, Michelle, Viviane, Terei, Jenny, Athena, Lesline and Thérèse bear witness to their dreams and their newfound happiness.
” Renewed happiness is like a ray of sunshine ” Viviane
Oh Newfound Happiness; this is what we housewives feel after years of suffering. Together we rise up, we rebuild ourselves here in this haven of peace.
Some have been here for a month, others for almost two years and whether we are from the islands or from Tahiti, we are moving forward together hand in hand towards a better future.
Today we would like to share our little joys with you and show you that we too are capable.
“We women have great value and no one should say otherwise.” Therese
And because our culture is so rich, we have chosen to share it with you. It’s what makes us feel good and gives us confidence in ourselves.
Here are our little joys.
“Dance is in our genes ” Jenny
We’ve been dancing since we were little but Terei, Lesline…dreamed of meeting Macaau, a great teacher from Papeete and taking a class with her.
It’s as if we had become stars of the Dance. We had the impression of reliving our youth and our freedom.
“Braiding is a custom that comes from our ancestors.”
The braiding reminds us of ancient times, that of the grandmothers. Some of us practiced it in the southern islands like Michelle, others not. But when Mamilla arrived it is not only weaving that she taught us, it is a way of life. We rediscovered the community life of yesteryear and the songs of the past.
“Art serves to embellish life ” Thérèse
Each of us has a hidden talent. Therese’s dream is to create a historical monument that would pay homage to women. Art is her passion, so we accompanied her to the Papeete Center for Crafts.
There was an exhibition of the students’ work. What surprised us was that the works were very modern, but that’s also our culture. We have to reinvent it. As the director says.
“Music soothes ” Athena
Music is everywhere in our country (memories) but listening to saxophone makes us feel other emotions. It was Athena who dreamed of meeting a saxophonist. Bernard Montoya, a pop’a long time ago in Tahiti. He received us in his music school and offered us a private saxophone lesson. It was wow.
When he played Athena felt full of love, joy and peace. And the others discovered this music from somewhere else. But the culture is also mixed.
“Let’s hold our heads high, take action for ourselves and our children’s future ” Jenny
All if we had the courage to leave it is thanks to the children. They represent everything to us and bring us joy and happiness. And we wish them a better future and a good education. It is important for us to pass on our values and culture to them. Here at the center, two mothers Jenny and Maeva lead reading workshops with the children.
Through the story of a terrible child, Jenny made her daughter understand that she must listen to her parents. And now she is finally wise for now!
“Women are the source of life, hence the importance of taking care of them” Tereï
This documentary is addressed to all women to tell them that we must be respected, happy and that we also have the right to live in peace and happiness.
To be found on Soundcloud
This podcast was produced thanks to the support of the Chanel Foundation, the association En Terre Indigène, the Ministry of Overseas France, Air Tahiti Nui and the Polynesian Women’s Council.
Anne Pastor from Native Women Voices
Credits: Danee Hazama
