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Samoa

Vaimasanu’u Zita Martel is a 63-year-old powerhouse Samoan mama. Zita is a prominent female leader and is famed for being the only female skipper of traditional long-boat (fautasi) racing, a role previously only for men, who has won multiple fautasi races in Samoa.

She is a matai from Amaile and Mother to four boys, who she has raised to be strong feminists. Zita is an advocate for female empowerment and leadership through her work as a women’s rights activist. She is also the French Honorary Consulate to Samoa.

“My last period was when I was 48-years-old. Going through this phase has been a fantastic journey of self-discovery and self-reflection. It is something that we don't talk about. There is a cultural hush over it. But not just in Samoa, pretty much everywhere.”

— Zita Martel

“My last period was when I was 48-years-old. Going through this phase has been a fantastic journey of self-discovery and self-reflection. It is something that we don't talk about. There is a cultural hush over it. But not just in Samoa, pretty much everywhere.”

— Zita Martel

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“It was nice to hear the topic of menstruation being spoken about openly in front of people as there isn’t much exposure on this subject. It was really great to be around older women and gain some knowledge about what they are going through so that we can be more compassionate towards them.”

Fina Paul | Photographer

“It was interesting to hear Zita’s perspective. It isn’t a conversation that I have ever been a part of, which is funny, given that I have a sister and a Mother. I think that I have a bit of a better perspective and understanding of what Samoan women experience. This video will be good for all Samoan’s to see, both young and old, to broaden their perspective, like it has done to me. It can only bring positive change.”

Myka Stanley | Videographer

Mana Care Samoa is an organisation seeking to reshape conversations about menstrual health and addressing the environmental impact of traditional female hygiene products.

Founded by Angelica Salele and Isabell Rasch, the organisation offers affordable, reusable cotton menstrual products, challenging the stigma surrounding periods while advocating for sustainability.

Winner of the UN Environment Asia-Pacific Low-Carbon Lifestyles Challenge, Mana Care Samoa aims to empower women and girls, particularly in remote areas, by providing accessible alternatives to disposable pads. Through open dialogue and community engagement, Mana Care Samoa normalises menstruation and promotes environmental responsibility, emphasising the importance of individual and collective action in creating a low-carbon, plastic pollution-free future.

[email protected]

FB: @manacareproducts