In August, we are celebrating the passionate, Anne Leimala Pakoa Pailthorpe!
At 54 years young (with a birthday right around the corner on the 12th! ), Anne hails from Euta and Pele village on the island of Tongoa. She’s not only the CEO of the Vatu Mauri Consortium and the Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition, but also wears many other hats, including Technical Adviser for the Vanuatu Young Women For Change and owner of Anne’s Christian Community Health School and Nursing Services.
In her spare time, Anne enjoys beach days , singing , and cherished moments with close friends. As a registered nurse and nurse educator, she continues to expand her knowledge through various short courses, enhancing her impact in the civil society space here in Vanuatu.
Anne’s personal mantra is, “Trust God, work hard and stay positive despite all odds!”
#SistaGatStyle #WomanTongoa #FearlessLeader #Bold #Beautiful #Strong #Vibrant #Passionate

Name
Anne Leimala Pakoa Pailthorpe.

Age
I am currently 54 years old but my birthday is right around the corner! – it’s on the 12th of this month.
Where are you from?
I come from Euta and Pele village, on Tongoa island.

Tell us about your family.
I come from a big family of five brothers and two sisters. My Dad was a school teacher, and my Mum’s responsibilities laid in raising eight children while engaging in family and community programs.
I have two children, Sabrina and Aki, as well as my two beautiful grandchildren, Alesi and Gabby – and of course our dog, Ethics! I also have 26 precious nephews and nieces whom some of them have children of their own that I love dearly.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
It really depends on my mood I suppose. I love spending my time on the beach when I have the chance to, taking in the vibrant ocean smell. I also love singing – one of my hidden talents – as it’s a sweet reminder of those golden days where singing was my job. On my lucky days where I have the time, I spend hours just sitting and having a good laugh with my best friends. And then on days where I am bored, I watch a movie or try to read an interesting book.

What do you study?
I am a registered nurse and nurse educator by profession.
My post graduate is in Education Policy Analysis. I did some short courses here and there though such as: Monitoring and Evaluation, Women Media and Communication Skills, Women Peace and Security, Gender and Climate Change, and many others – this is what happens when you’re in the Civil Society space for over two decades, you get these wonderful opportunities to build on what you already know.
Do you work?
Yes! If you know me, you know I wear so many different ‘hats’ throughout the day. I am the CEO of the Vatu Mauri Consortium, CEO of the Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition, Technical Adviser for the Vanuatu Young Women For Change, Owner and Director of Anne’s Christian Community Health School and Nursing Services and President of the Green Vanuatu Koroi Network.
I am also engaged in a few national, regional and international committees such as, the National Human Rights Committee, SHEFA Education Board, Pacific Human Rights Defenders Network, The Pacific Greens Women Network, Commonwealth 8.7 Network, Climate Justice Fund, Urgent Action Fund for Women, Global South Dignified Menstruation and the Newly launched Niu (for coconut) Pacific Green Network headed by the famous and beautiful Mama Pefi King!
So yes, I definitely work 😊

What do you aspire to do in the future?
I aspire to gain a Masters in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
What is a quote that you live by?
This is a personal quote I like to refer to here and there, “Trust God, work hard and stay positive despite all odds!”

How would you describe your style?
With the many ‘hats’ that I wear, I like to keep it professional, more on the business style and occasionally will bring in my casual and artistic vibes to my outfits.
Why do you like fashion?
I love fashion because it makes me feel good about myself! Fashion gives me that opportunity and space to express my self-care, love and dignity! It gives me courage and confidence to face the world and to adapt better to different environments. I think this world would be so lost without it!
Who influences your style?
I grew up in the village and so I did not have that opportunity to see people express themselves through fashion, however, I was very lucky because my dad would bring home fairy tale books like, Cinderella and Snow White, to read with me and it was from here that I picked up little cute things to try. I remember using certain flowers for lipstick and would pretend to be wearing heels while I walked down my imaginary runway LOL. And there was a point where my mum bought me fancy clothes so these memories, these women, were my first influencers.
Later in life, people like late South African Singer and model Brenda Fasi and other black women like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama, influenced my style and taste in fashion. Of course, not forgetting my Nigerian / American sister Yemi Ajayi, midwife currently working in Maryland, USA! She was my professional and fashion mentor.

What beauty products do you use (including perfume)?
For skin lotions, I use Nivea but I also use Avon products, I like their skin lotion and eye cream. I love a good lipstick and “J’adore” from Christian Dior is my favorite perfume.
Any fashion tips?
Know what colours suit your skin tone and how to compliment them to create classy outfits for different occasions.

What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Strong. Confident. Fearless.
What is your biggest fear?
With the climate change impacts we are facing; my biggest fear is what the world is going to look like for my grandchildren in the next 30 years!

What is your greatest accomplishment?
My inner peace.
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Photographer: JZ Photography
Nails: ROSY SPA
Assistant: Sharon Nicholls
Location: Seaside and Nambatu Area, Port Vila
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This article was originally published in the August,2024 edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post’s Life and Style magazine.
