A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH TO ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Participating in economic activities is seen by the empowered nofotane women of Siumu as a transformative approach to ending violence against women.
 
“Gone were the days when I was merely listening in during our family discussions.  Nowadays, I have the confidence to speak up and participate during family conversations.” Lili Faavae of Siumu
 
“My daily earnings from selling pork buns is divided into bus fares for my children to school, food for our family, supplies for the next order of pork buns, and part is saved at UTOS.  Before attending the Nofotane Program, I never knew how to earn or save money.”  Tina Mativa of Siumu West

These were just some of the stories of change shared by the economically empowered nofotane women at Siumu, during the SHINE self-esteem workshop for the Nofotane Sustainable Income Project.  The workshop is part of the 2-year project implemented by Samoa Victim Support Group with funding from the European Uniion through the Civil Society Support Program (CSSP).
 
 
The coming together of 80+ nofotane women during the SHINE Program at Siumu lead to the setting up of a Nofotane Market Space within this community.
 
When SVSG visited the Siumu Nofotane Market, the atmosphere was vibrant; the women were selling goods while their husbands were cheering them on from the sides.  By having the women participating in economic activities, the transformation highlighted the positive changes in the women’s lives, with a ripple effect that benefits national economic development.
 
According to Sua Atofau, an 82 year old nofotane woman from Saaga, “there has been no more violence in my family since I started earning an income; there is only money here, money there (Bank), money everywhere.”
 
SVSG stands behind Sua Atofau and all of the nofotane women like her, whose courage, perseverance and empowerment, have transformed their lives to say ‘No More’ to violence against women and girls.
 
“Thank you to the European Union for funding SVSG’s effort to support the economic empowerment of Nofotane women, which is proven to be a timely help to their families and communities in light of the economic distress caused by the COVID pandemic.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President