Papali'i Monalisa Tia'i-Keti Photo: Government of Samoa
Samoa's deputy police commissioner has become the first Pacific member of the Australasian Council of Women and Policing to win the prestigious Audrey Fagan Memorial Award.
Papali'i Monalisa Tia'i-Keti was among four Pacific law enforcement members of the council recognised at an event in Sydney, Australia.
The Audrey Fagan Memorial Award recognises outstanding women who have shown exceptional qualities as a mentor, role model and leader of men and women in policing and law enforcement.
The winner is chosen by a selection panel from all the nominees across all award categories.
Tia'i-Keti was commended for her commitment and outstanding determination, resilience and leadership to break through barriers for women in the Samoa police service.
The deputy commissioner told the Samoa Observer it is important for young women to feel empowered by choosing police work as a career.
"Whilst the award is given to me, I feel that it's for all the men and women of the Samoa Police Service and those who believe in our potential and are behind the scenes to support individuals like me.
"I've always wanted to do the best that I can to improve the work of Samoa Police and the standard of our service to our people," she said.
"I do this work to serve. To be recognised is an added bonus."
Fiji officer nets integrity and courage award
Superintendent Margaret Marshall of the Fiji Police Force won the Integrity and Courage Award, which acknowledges the courage required to make the community and law enforcement better for everyone.
Marshall was known for her display of courage and innovative leadership, amidst the world health crisis Covid-19 that struck Fiji devastatingly.
Inspector Czarist Daniel of the Nauru Police Force was awarded with the Excellence in Law Enforcement in the Pacific Region Award. She was recognised for her commitment and passion for policing against all odds.
Lautoa Faletau won the Most Outstanding Female Administrator Award recognising her advocacy work for more "Pacific women, representation and voices in policing, as well as police response to gendered violence and equality".
The 23rd Australasian Council of Women in Policing Awards saw over 500 people from law enforcement agencies and all walks of life joined together to celebrate the achievements from Pacific women in the police force.