HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY FROM BANGKOK
(Photo: Supplied)
Amidst the global commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024, Ms. Tanya Toailoa, Chair of the Board for the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), extends warm greetings and congratulations from Bangkok to all the women of Samoa. Ms. Toailoa finds herself representing SVSG at the ECPAT International regional workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, where Executive Directors from ECPAT member organizations convene to take collective action against sexual exploitation in Asia and the Pacific.
The timeliness of this in-person workshop is underscored by our growing reliance on social media for communication and networking, presenting challenges in combatting online sexual exploitation and abuse across the Asian region. This gathering holds particular relevance as we reflect on this year's International Women’s Day theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion’, recognizing the vulnerability of women to sexual exploitation and abuse due to gender, social, and economic factors.
As a steadfast human rights defender, SVSG remains committed to advocating for the rights of vulnerable and marginalized community members, predominantly women, girls, and children. On this International Women’s Day, SVSG extends a heartfelt call to women survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and gender-based violence, urging them to find inspiration in their resilience and inclusion. Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President, emphasizes, “You are an inspiration. We value your inclusion.”
Founded in 2015, SVSG joined ECPAT International, an acronym standing for End Child Prostitution and Trafficking, a global network dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation of children. ECPAT’s campaign has evolved into the world’s largest influencing network solely dedicated to eradicating the sexual exploitation of children, boasting a membership of 125 civil society organizations across 104 countries.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices of women worldwide and reaffirming our commitment to gender equality and empowerment. Together, we inspire inclusion, paving the way for a more just and equitable future for all. Happy International Women’s Day!