WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - ELSIE POLOSOVAI
ELSIE POLOSOVAI
ACTRESS/MISS LAURU - MISS SOLOMON ISLANDS CONTESTANT
SOLOMON ISLANDER
The Star of Coconet's Hit Short Film 'HIAMA' has gone from strength to strength. From Acting on set, to competing for Miss Solomon Islands - #WATCH her work on screen and get to know her inspiring story and powerful reasons to competing this year.
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A young Solomon Islands teenager encounters bullying and micro-aggressions at school, and takes fate into her own hands when she is visited by a guardian spirit of her family.
When Vani is the victim of racism at an all white high school, her Hiama reminds her of her inner power.
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Please introduce yourself, your heritage and where you grew up
My name is Elsie Camelyn Salumata Polosovai and I come from the villages of Dara and Vuruleke in Choiseul Province and Bina, West Kwaio in Malaita Province. I am completing my Bachelor of Sciences in Human Nutrition at the University of Otago. I spent the first half of my life growing up in the Solomons and Fiji then moved to NZ where we resided in South Auckland. I moved to Dunedin in 2021 and have lived there ever since.
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How has your upbringing & culture shaped you into the woman you are today?
My upbringing and culture have greatly influenced the person I am today. Growing up in the Solomon Islands and Fiji instilled a deep appreciation for community, traditions and the natural tropical environment. Experiencing the diversity of cultures in South Auckland exposed me to different perspectives and ways of life, broadening my understanding and acceptance of others. This multicultural environment has made me more adaptable and open-minded, useful in today’s interconnected world. Moving to Dunedin challenged me to be independent and take full responsibility for myself, professionally and financially.
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You are currently preparing/competing in the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant - what made you want to compete for the title?
I chose to join the MSIP to broaden my perspectives on leadership, cultural representation, and advocacy. This new journey will offer me a lot of learning and personal/professional development, opportunities and challenges. I always tell my parents, that the further I travel away from home the more I think about what my contribution will be to our women, girls, youth and country. This opportunity is far more than a crown and sash for me, it's my ode to the people of Lauru, my family and my ancestors.
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You have said that you are committed to advocating for Women's health through this pageant, why is this so important for you to advocate for?
In the Solomon Islands, the overall health system faces numerous challenges, including insufficient clinical equipment and medical supplies, especially in rural areas. The most affected group is women which is why I chose to advocate for women's health, to raise awareness that many women's health issues are influenced by factors beyond our control. This fact is often overlooked because we tend to say, 'This woman isn't choosing to prioritize her health.' For example, many women suffer from conditions like endometriosis, which is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. To address women's health issues correctly, we need to understand that simply being a woman already puts us at higher risk for certain health problems.
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Other than women's Health, are there any other issues you feel passionate about concerning the Solomon Islands?
Cultural preservation to maintain the unique identity and heritage of the Solomon Island. The diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and customs of the various ethnic groups in the Solomon Islands define the nation's identity. Preserving these elements ensures that future generations understand and appreciate their roots and heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. One particular aspect of culture I am passionate about is language, the Solomon Islands are home to over 70 distinct languages, many of which are at risk of disappearing. I am truly grateful that growing up my first language was Babatana- one of the languages spoken in Choiseul Province. Just for extra context: When natives first arrived and discovered one of the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands, they called it 'Lauru'. Later in 1768, a French explorer saw the island again and named it Choiseul after the Minister of Foreign Affairs and statesman Choiseul.
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What advice would you give to other young girls wanting to compete in Miss Solomon Islands?
Do it! Opportunities to experience something like the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant rarely come so if you feel strongly about bringing something new to the table step out of your comfort zone and put yourself up to the challenge. I firmly believe that self-confidence and self-esteem are developed when you do something new. Remember to do the work for yourself first before stepping up so you have a solid foundation and can back yourself up.
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Elsie Posolovai also starred in The Coconet TV short film 'Teine Sa: Hiama'. Watch here!
A young Solomon Islands teenager encounters bullying and micro-aggressions at school, and takes fate into her own hands when she is visited by a guardian spirit of her family.
When Vani is the victim of racism at an all white high school, her Hiama reminds her of her inner power.
- Written by Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā
made with the help of Creative New Zealand