33 Samoan men, both matai title holders and untitled men, are attending the Village Leadership Development Initiative Training held at the EFKS Hall at Mutiatele, Aleipata Itupa i Lalo this week.
Men as partners to advance gender equality in the community, is the focus and the target audience for this weeks training. Participants are from the villages of Samusu, Utufaalalafa, Lotopue, Mutiatele, Malaela, Tiavea, Saleaumua and Satitoa.
The trainer, Maulolo Leaula Tavita Amosa emphasised the importance of the interconnectedness of the structures of the Faa Samoa system made up of the Village Council (Alii ma Faipule), Wives of the Matais (Faletua & Tausi), and Daughters of the Village (Saoao & Tamaitai).
He says it is important to acknowledge their respective roles and responsibilities in supporting each other. This includes men supporting women’s empowerment, and activities for the benefit of the women of their districts.
Participants are learning about the significance of PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, transforming negative attitudes to positive changes for the betterment of the families and villages and CHANGING ONESELF IN ORDER TO CHANGE OTHERS.
This training is supported by the Women in Leadership in Samoa (WILS) Project – a three year joint project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women with funding from the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Samoa.
