EMPOWERING SALAMUMU: "MY VILLAGE MY PRIDE" PROJECT'S POSITIVE IMPACT

Sign that welcomed the SVSG crew when they arrived at Salamumu (Photo: Supplied/ SVSG)

In the village of Salamumu, Samoa, a recent event demonstrated the community's commitment to unity, peace, and the elimination of gender-based violence. Sponsored by the Spotlight Initiative and organised by the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), the "My Village My Pride" project brought the community together for a memorable showcase of culture and change.

A powerful message, "Ia olaina le filemu, i aso taitasi i le taimi nei" (Let Peace be alive, every day, right now), welcomed attendees. The event featured engaging performances, with women performing traditional dances and chants, while youth used skits to address the importance of ending gender-based violence.

These performances included a range of acts, from traditional Samoan dances to contemporary performances, all conveying the message of eliminating gender-based violence and promoting positive communal values.

The "My Village My Pride" Project, part of the SVSG's efforts to end domestic and intimate partner violence, fosters positive cultural values. Since 2020, SVSG has collaborated with the UNESCO Spotlight Initiative, emphasising the role of collective efforts in addressing violence against women and girls.

The event also recognized the vital role of the church, with Reverend Sua Moananu and the Methodist Church Salamumu-tai congregation hosting the Community Day to highlight the church's contribution to eliminating gender-based violence.

The "My Village My Pride" project exemplifies the power of community, culture, and collaboration in creating positive change. By celebrating their cultural heritage and promoting positive values, Salamumu demonstrates that together, we can work towards a future free from gender-based violence, one community at a time.