| Description |
Mataginifale Women’s Group (MWG) was established in Avatele in the 1980s. Originally named Avatele Women’s Group, its members decided to change its name in the 1990s to better reflect the unique status of women. Mataginifale was a female warrior from Avatele born around 700 CE and was a great weaver that created local tapa cloth called hiapo.
MWG has been active in and around Avatele over the last three decades. Its members fulfill various church obligations of the Avatele Fellowship of Christian Women and promote culture through language, crafts, traditions, and customs. They work in collaboration with the Avatele Village Council, the Ekalesia Kerisiano Avatele, and other youth groups.
MWG’s membership consists of MWG’s membership consists of ninety-four women and girls between ages one and eighty-two. Its executive members are elected every three years, and meetings are held quarterly to share ideas and receive updates on various events. MWG works to safeguard Taoga Niue (ICH of Niue). One element is made up of traditional knowledge, customs, traditions, and Avatele history, and the other is traditional food. Vagahau Niue, the official language of Niue, is what underpins them all and upholds Niuean society. |
