This research discusses the role of women in traditional Samoan society. It also outlines a prawn project in Auala, a Samoan village, as a case study that demonstrates the value of women’s labour in sustaining Samoa’s marine environment as well as in contributing to the local economy and well-being. Finally, it draws attention to the complete exclusion of women in Samoa from the decision-making processes in the rural Fisheries Management Plan, and to the necessity of integrating their roles on the ground with the Plan.