EMPOWERING WOMEN: SAMOA'S COMMITMENT TO GENDER EQUALITY ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Minister of Women's Community and Social Development, Honorable Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo greeted all attendees. (Photo: Supplied)
In the heart of the Pacific, Samoa stands as a beacon of resilience and culture. Yet, like many nations, it grapples with the persistent challenge of gender inequality. As the world celebrates International Women's Day on March 8th, Samoa's Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development (MWCSD) takes center stage, spearheading initiatives to empower women and promote inclusivity across the island nation.
Addressing the audience, Honorable Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, Minister of Women's Community and Social Development, extends a warm greeting to all attendees, both present and joining online. She expresses gratitude to the remarkable women contributing to Samoan society and emphasizes the significance of the occasion as a time for reflection, celebration, and thanksgiving. Together, they unite in honoring women's achievements and reaffirming their commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
This year's global theme, "Count her in: Invest in Women - Accelerate Progress," resonates deeply with Samoa's commitment to addressing gender disparities and fostering socio-economic development. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in various spheres of life, the Ministry embarks on a mission to create a more equitable society where every woman can thrive.
Samoa's women play multifaceted roles, serving as pillars of family and community stability, decision-makers, economic contributors, and community leaders. However, despite their significant contributions, challenges persist. The UN Women Gender Country Brief Samoa 2022 sheds light on disparities in labor force participation, unemployment rates, and access to education and training opportunities.
Statistics from 2017 reveal stark gaps in labor force participation, with only 32% of women engaged compared to 55% of men. Youth labor force participation for women is notably lower at 26%, further exacerbating the issue. High unemployment rates among women, particularly youth aged 15-24, underscore the urgency of addressing systemic barriers to economic empowerment. Moreover, a concerning proportion of female youth are not engaged in education, employment, or training, signaling entrenched challenges.
In response to these realities, the Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development launches a series of initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and gender equality. International Women's Day serves as a pivotal platform to galvanize support and raise awareness. Through a diverse range of capacity-building activities, including panel discussions and training sessions, the Ministry seeks to empower women and girls across Samoa.
The official ceremony held on March 7th, 2024, at the MESC Auditorium in Malifa, marks a momentous occasion to honor the contributions of women to Samoa's development. The event, opened with a service delivered by Reverend Dr. Eteuati Tuioti, General Secretary of the Methodist Church of Samoa, featured a keynote address by the Honorable Minister of MWCSD, Afioga Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of winners from school poem competitions and panel discussions on empowering women, rural development, and the leadership of young women in the Blue Pacific. By incorporating diverse voices, including those of rural and young women, the Ministry aims to broaden the scope of the conversation and promote inclusivity.
Moreover, the live-streamed event ensures maximal participation and feedback from women and girls across Samoa. The commemoration extends to March 8th, with the implementation of Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training for stakeholders at the Tooa Salamasina Hall.
The Ministry acknowledges the invaluable support of development partners, including the government of Australia through the Tautua and Tautai program, as well as UN agencies UNICEF and UNWOMEN. Their collaboration underscores the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Samoa.
As Samoa commemorates International Women's Day, it reaffirms its dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable society. By investing in women and accelerating progress, Samoa paves the way for a brighter future where every woman can realize her full potential. Together, let us count her in and champion the empowerment of women, not just today, but every day.