NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Voices Across the Water
Moana Women Rising
Stories of climate, land and sea from women educators in
Samoa and Tuvalu, written in their own words.
About the project
Moana Women Rising documents climate loss and damage as Pacific women educators experience it: in their classrooms, their villages and their families.
In September 2026, APEN and Tagata Moana Writers brought women teachers together for creative storytelling workshops in Samoa and Tuvalu.
The workshops were built on talanoa and sautalaga. Teachers shared what climate change has taken from their communities, and what they are holding on to. In Apia, we were hosted by the National University of Samoa. In Funafuti, Fetuvalu Secondary School hosted us, with the support of the Tuvalu Ministry of Education.
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Writers were supported through editing and one-on-one sessions, and every contributor kept ownership of her story. The result is Voices Across the Water: Moana Women Rising, an anthology by nineteen women educators. It was launched at Pre-COP in Suva and will travel with the team to COP31.
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This project was made possible by Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) and Climate Action Network Australia (CANA).
I feel proud and thankful for my story.
I faced challenges but they have made me stronger and more determined.
Teacher, Funafuti
About the book
Nineteen Pacific women educators write about what climate change is taking from the places they know. A childhood beach taken by the tide. Taro patches drowning and soil too dry to grow. Classrooms too hot to teach in.
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The stories grew out of talanoa/sautalaga workshops in Samoa and Tuvalu, alongside contributions from Pasifika educators in Australia. Writing followed when women were ready, and facilitators did not determine what was written. The stories remain theirs.
SAMOA
Launceston Wright, Maluseu Doris Tulifau, Faasisilionuupule Gloria Talalupe-Lofipo, Joita Fanueli, Mafiosamoa Palepoi, Solonaima Uelese.
TUVALU
Jorinta Melitiana, Palelei Malo Tovia, Kainaki Salau Sepaia Taula, Utoane Teniu, Teasepa Tofuola Metia, Tokataake Silio Loaloa, Katieli Malona, Ararata Beverly Yee
AUSTRALIA
Tanuvasamanaia Christine Afoa, Tofa Amanda Moors-Mailei, Bronwyn Williams, Leilani Fatupaito, June K Paisa Perkins
Every dollar goes back to the authors
All proceeds from this book go to the Samoan and Tuvaluan teachers whose stories fill its pages. By pre-ordering, you help these women educators continue telling the stories of their islands, and you bring Pacific voices on climate change into Australian homes, classrooms and libraries.
Pre-order details
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