NOFOTANE WOMEN: Sewing Face Masks for Protection while Income

​Fifteen nofotane seamstress under SVSG’s empowerment program are the recipients of sustainable income from sewing masks for COVID-19 protection. The opportunity is made possible courtesy of the ongoing partnership between Samoa Victim Support Group and the EU UN Spotlight Initiative of the UNDP Program. 
 
The specific focus of this latest initiative is the sewing of cotton face masks utilizing the skills of nofotane seamstress. The women have been given the opportunity to sew masks for COVID-19 protection while earning them income to support their families amidst this health and economic crisis. 
 
The initiative further looks at alleviating domestic violence amidst the COVID-19 crisis, as families are feeling the heat of unemployment, of spending all day in the company of each others; which is especially true for couples. 
 
The face masks are sewn from 100% cotton materials available in local stores. The production is being closely monitored by SVSG to ensure quality control based on general standards for safe cloth face masks used at the family/community level. 
 
Recognizing the link between domestic violence and access to livelihood income is therefore putting the spotlight once again on the most vulnerable members of the community during these challenging times such as women, children and people with disabilities. 
 
“Thank you Ms. Louisa Apelu, the UNDP Spotlight Initiative Programme Coordinator and the team, for the collaborative approach in addressing the social and economic impact of COVID-19, through the continuous partnership with SVSG.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President

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