“The grassroots are the women, because in New Caledonia the women do every job.”
A tribute to Kanak women as the backbone of daily life and, by extension, of the independence movement itself.
— Susanna Ounei, New Caledonia
Source: Susanna Ounei, in the 1985 pamphlet "For Kanak Independence: The Fight Against French Rule in New Caledonia", archived at ProleWiki (Library:For_Kanak_Independence)
More Proverbs from New Caledonia
Do not reject the words of the elders.
The counsel of elders carries hard-won experience and should never be dismissed by the young.
The future is before you — do not turn back.
Face forward and keep moving toward what is ahead rather than dwelling on what is behind.
The bourao leaf is carried off by the current, not knowing where it goes.
A person without direction or purpose drifts through life at the mercy of circumstance, just like a leaf swept along by water.
The best defense against an enemy is to attack first.
Waiting passively for trouble to arrive is weaker than meeting a threat with decisive action.
Rid yourself of shame and timidity, and accomplish your will.
Excessive shyness or self-doubt holds people back; real progress requires the courage to act.
Think before you act.
Careful reflection before a decision prevents the regret that follows a hasty one.