BROWN GIRL WOKE LAUNCHES THE ALOFA INITIATIVE ADVOCATING FOR SOGIESC YOUTH RIGHTS IN SAMOA
(Photo: Supplied)
In a landmark event at Ulalei Lodge, Vaiala, Brown Girl Woke marked a significant milestone with the launch of The Alofa Initiative on Saturday, December 9th. This initiative underscores a dedicated commitment to protecting and upholding the human rights of youth with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in Samoa.
As a youth-focused organization, Brown Girl Woke firmly believes in equal and equitable access to fundamental rights for all young individuals. The Alofa Initiative is a response to the heightened risks, displacement, and hardships faced by the SOGIESC youth in Samoa, aiming to create a safe and secure space for them to access critical healthcare, resources, mental health services, and more.
"We recognize the urgent need to provide a secure environment for our diverse SOGIESC youth," stated a representative of Brown Girl Woke. "We aim to ensure access to safety, respect, housing, healthcare, employment opportunities, and emotional well-being for all."
The impact of The Alofa Initiative extends beyond the SOGIESC community, significantly influencing Samoa as a whole. To effectively mitigate risks and safeguard the rights of SOGIESC Samoans, the initiative emphasizes collaboration. The launch event welcomed local organizations like the Samoa Fa’afafine and Fa’atama Association, fostering solidarity and promoting respectful and meaningful allyship.
The event featured a compelling panel discussion with inspirational speakers and trailblazers from the SOGIESC local community and Pacific diaspora, including Jaiyah T Sadlua, Taffy Johnson, Fagalima Tuatagaloa, Seuta'afili Dr Patrick Thomsen, and Ratu Eroni Ledua Dina (aka Ms. Rhonda).
Yvette Griffiths, Co-director for The Alofa Initiative, highlighted the importance of involving the broader Samoan community in the protection and inclusion of Samoa’s SOGIESC youth. "It requires embracing the broader Samoan community, within organizations, schools, churches, activity groups, friendships, and homes."
Proudly funded by the Embassy for the Kingdom of Netherlands and the New Zealand High Commission, The Alofa Initiative represents a pivotal moment in Samoa's advocacy for the rights of SOGIESC youth, inviting collective participation and commitment toward a more inclusive and supportive society.
Endorsed by Alex Su’a, President of the Samoa Fa’afafine and Fa’atama Association, who attended the event as a Keynote Speaker, the launch coincided with the end of 16 Days of Activism and was celebrated on the final day of Samoa’s Fa’afaine and Fa’atama Week.
The Alofa Initiative also aligns with The Orange MovementTM, a global day of action advancing Gender Equality, symbolized by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 5, assigned the color orange. This movement seeks to address the US$1.7 million funding gap for the 17 UN SDGs and build a more inclusive, resilient future for all, tapping into financial markets to empower women.
In summary, The Alofa Initiative stands as a beacon of progress in Samoa's commitment to ensuring the rights and well-being of SOGIESC youth, fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and a brighter future for all.