Birthday celebrations for Teitoiningaina women in Kiribati
This story was written by current VSA volunteer, Jane Rutledge, who has been supporting the Teitoiningaina Catholic Women’s Association in Kiribati as a Communications and Advocacy Advisor since April 2025. From her perspective on the ground, Jane captures the vibrant spirit, deep faith and strong sense of community that shines through during Teitoiningaina’s celebration honouring Mother Mary.
Catholic women celebrated in their Christian faith, an annual calendar event.
The sea of crisp yellow dresses, part of the ceremonial dress for the day, reminds one of a field of sunflowers, quite stunning. The day was well choreographed, with the three Tarawa Catholic Parishes joining forces for the day celebrating Mother Mary’s birthday (the actual date is September 8th), presenting more than 1200 Teitoiningaina women members of their community in song and dance.
Teitoiningaina is a faith based Catholic NGO working across Kiribati for its near 20,000 women members.Your faith here is a great part of your identity and women join in solidarity after the age of eighteen.
Two months of practice, it showed in a nearly perfect performance.The fun was in dressing for the day with two changes of dress and matching earrings and head pieces adorned.
The women of Teitoiningaina celebrating the birthday of Mother Mary
The waves of song were moving with the sound echoing across the maneaba (meeting house) to the joy of the guests, the envy of any choirmaster.The women were singing with heart for the love of Mother Mary, with an annual day of Mary, who Catholics and many Christians call the Mother of God. The theme embracing faithful commitment through the guidance of Mother Mary.
The dance and song was interpretation of tradition, showed off the culture and how precise and special it is to the group.There was even a judging panel which I am sure had to mark a big ten!
These women reflect the personality of the Islands of Kiribati.Every Island is distinct and the charm in the room reflects this.This performance was about faith, dedication, unity and strength of community.
Of course like any good birthday there is a cake and the women perform a traditional cake dance for us all – no accidents here.
More dancing and cake!
Several hours later we left the party feeling inspired and somewhat emotionally drained. Sensational.