Loau Donina Va’a, Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer for Women, Community, and Social Development, spoke at the United Nations’ 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), highlighting the nation’s commitment to advancing gender equality. She noted how the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia last October provided significant momentum for discussions around gender issues, with the event fostering collaborative efforts aimed at promoting women’s rights.
Loau is part of a seven-member delegation at CSW69, led by Minister Laga’ia Tufuga. In her presentation, she acknowledged the achievements from hosting pivotal events like the Commonwealth Women’s Forum (CWF), which brought together over 400 participants from 56 Commonwealth countries. These forums were crucial for uniting voices to address global gender disparities and enhancing youth empowerment and economic inclusion in the Pacific.
Samoa’s proactive leadership is reflected in the establishment of a national taskforce comprising 20 women leaders from various sectors. This taskforce engages in regional discussions that focus on gender-responsive financing, with 20% of the nation’s annual budget now dedicated to women-led initiatives. Such moves signify a strong commitment toward institutionalizing gender equality in Samoa.
A standout moment from the CHOGM was the unveiling of the Manaia Market, which showcased women entrepreneurs, symbolizing local businesses’ resilience and innovation. “Samoa didn’t just host the CWF—we built connections, strengthened solidarity, and set a blueprint for a more inclusive and equal future,” Loau stated.
Minister Tufuga emphasized the importance of men joining in the cause for gender justice, advocating for respect and understanding to tackle societal challenges effectively.
As discussions at CSW69 continue, Loau reaffirmed the necessity of collaboration as a central tenet for achieving gender equality. She urged leaders to prioritize gender equity and commit to outcomes that benefit women and the community at large.
These collective efforts and proactive initiatives provide a hopeful outlook for gender equality in Samoa and the Pacific region. With a strong foundation of collaboration, Samoa is setting an inspiring example for other nations to emulate in advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
Comment: The progress that Samoa is making through collaboration and community engagement serves as a potential blueprint for other nations in the Pacific facing similar challenges. It inspires hope for broader movements that prioritize inclusive policies and gender equality on a global scale.
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