WLI alumni, women leaders from the public sector, and Australian Council for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) alumni came together in Apia for WLI’s first alumni-only networking event held in Samoa.
Hosted by WLI Alumni Representatives Della Siomia Savaiinaea and Tagiilima Neemia, the networking night was attended by 14 alumni and high-profile guests, including Samoan Member of Parliament (MP) and former WLI Steering Committee Member, the Honorable Aliʻimalemanu Alofa Tu'uau, and Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson.
Held on Monday 29 May 2024 at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, organisers say the event demonstrated “the power of a good network that can become friends and allies in project development”.
According to environmental advocate and Women’s Developmental Leadership Program alumna Della, the event “fostered a network of professionals and likeminded people to develop programs and initiatives for women leaders in Samoan communities.”
“Many alumni have not met each other, as they studied at different times, so this was an opportunity to meet, connect, and discuss how they can collaborate on their leadership journeys,” Della adds.
The Fijian Australia Awards WLI network was also represented by attendee Kasaqa Tora, a specialist working with the Secretariat of Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) - an intergovernmental organisation protecting Pacific environments and natural resources.
Enjoying a meal together and deep conversation, attendees developed their networks and listened to inspiring guest speakers who shared insights and lessons learned from their own leadership experiences.
Attendees also learned about WLI Leadership Fund project proposals currently in the pipeline drawing on the expertise, leadership skills, and networks of WLI alumni.
Experienced leader the Hon Aliʻimalemanu Alofa Tu'uau shared her wisdom and strategies to overcome challenges with the emerging leaders, urging each attendee to “be yourself, be honest, expose yourself to your fears and be authentic”.
“The future of our young women moving into leadership roles depends upon seeing other women, us, in leadership, and sharing their leadership triumphs and tribulations,” Hon Alofa reflected.
Attendees valued hearing first-hand how influential women experience and overcome challenges.
“As the Honorable Alofa mentioned, fear of public speaking is something that can be overcome,” says Della, who shares she has struggled presenting to large groups in the past.
“I have learnt that even established women leaders go through the same challenges, but it’s the coaching of the mindset, practice, and speaking to likeminded people that helps boost courage,” Della reflects.
His Excellency Will Robinson expressed his support for Samoan WLI alumni and encouraged their collaboration with their broader Australia Awards network, including ACIAR alumni, to contribute to positive development in Samoa.
“This kind of collaboration harnesses the skills, experience and leadership capabilities that can create positive change,” the High Commissioner said.
While the High Commissioner encouraged alumni to apply their leadership training to Samoa’s development, he also urged alumni to lead within their own families and communities, noting that “often times, they are where change happens first”.
