Despite the bad weather last Friday, the European Union delegation pushed through with their site visit at
the Nofotane market at Toamua, as one of the markets established under the initiative of the SVSG in
partnership with the European Union through the CSSP. The purpose of the visit was to monitor the
sustainability of the self-employed Nofotane women who were supported by the 2-year funding program by
the European Union from 2020 to 2022.
The Nofotane women of Toamua represented over 2,000 women involved in the program. The products
available at the market this morning were produced with the knowledge that the mothers have obtained from
the program, and it reflects their creativity and empowerment improved self-esteem and becoming self-
reliant.
In an interview with the visiting team, the EU program manager in Samoa, Shaleshni Prasad said she was
very proud of the Nofotane women and their contributions toward the life of the society.
“I’m very happy about my visit today. The rain didn’t stop us from meeting these beautiful ladies and their
work. Hats off to them. This program is close to my heart as I’m passionate about women empowerment
particularly when it comes to recognizing their own rights and abilities. It’s a good platform for the
vulnerable women in Samoa societies to stand up to match their calibre equalities”-Shaleshni Prasad.
She stated also that she was impressed by the talent coming through these mothers such as weaving, sewing
and other things that promote income generation activities. Shaleshni told SVSG media that she has seen a
shift from being an abused woman facing financial stress to being a fully economically empowered mother.
According to one of the Nofotane from Toamua, Inailau Vaine Palaamo Elisara, she said that the women of
Toamua are appreciative of this initiative.
“Toamua Nofotane women value this program since the beginning. Now they are enjoying doing vegetable
gardens and making handicrafts. The good thing about this program is that it brings both the Nofotane with
her husband together to work together in developing the family. For that reason, I’m so happy that there is a
