Fatupaepae

A fatupaepae is a matriarchal senior figure in the culture of Tokelau.[1] Fatupaepae groups are village-level women's organizations in Tokelau, with one such group in each atoll of the island territory: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakafo.[2][3]

According to the Tokelauan government, the title "Fatupaepae" can be literally translated as "Sacred Being," signifying "a mother or a young lady, who has clearly understood that she is the cornerstone of the family, village and nation and has been taught about her responsibilities as a Fatupaepae."[2] They are viewed as the "foundation stone" of their homestead.[4] Historically, these women bore responsibility for equally and fairly distributing resources among their community, and played a central role in decision-making.[1][5][6]

The Fatupaepae groups, which evolved from colonial-era Women's Committees, promote economic development and other opportunities for women, among other issues.[2][3][7] Their members have expressed concerns around women's health and their access to business and government on the islands.[2][8]

The groups from the three villages come together to work collaboratively on women's issues.[3] In 2004, 30 representatives from the Fatupaepae gathered as the Tokelau National Women's Council to discuss how to address shared concerns, which led to the development of the National Policy for Women of Tokelau.[2]

A Fatupaepae representative from each atoll serves on the territory's governing General Fono.[3][9]

References
  1. "Kāiga Māopoopo: A Tokelau Conceptual Framework to address family violence" (PDF). The Tokelau Working Group. March 2012. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  2. "National Policy for Women of Tokelau" (PDF). Government of Tokelau. 2015. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  3. Levine, Stephen (2016-06-01). Pacific Ways: Government and Politics in the Pacific Islands. Victoria University Press. ISBN 978-1-77656-026-4.
  4. Hoëm, Ingjerd (2004-10-01). Theater and Political Process: Staging Identities in Tokelau and New Zealand. Berghahn Books. ISBN 978-1-78920-423-0.
  5. Hoëm, Ingjerd (1995). A Way with Words: Language and Culture in Tokelau Society. White Orchid Press. ISBN 978-974-89272-0-6.
  6. Huntsman, Judith; Hooper, Antony (1996). Tokelau: A Historical Ethnography. University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-1912-5.
  7. "Tokelauan community embraces 'safety at sea' programme". Tagata Pasifika. 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  8. "Summit for women underway in Tokelau". RNZ. 2019-05-03. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  9. "HOW TOKELAU IS GOVERNED". Government of Tokelau. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
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