The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) on Wednesday joined the global commemoration and celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023.

The theme for the IWD 2023 was "Embrace Equity" with the local non-profit organisation saying it believes the global campaign seeks to draw attention to the fact that equal opportunities are not enough to achieve what true inclusion and belonging. As such, there is a call to action, to embrace equity in all its form.

The SVSG over the last few days met with some of their beneficiaries and partners who provide valuable support for their various community services. Their visit to the Campus of Hope and to support the celebration of the IWD was a message of embracing equity to show solidarity.

The SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang has been the mother figure for many of the children survivors of violence, and embraces them as her own children.

“As a family, let us embrace Equity in all its form as equal opportunities are not enough to achieve true inclusion," she said. 

The organisation's rehabilitative services for women offenders is an initiative taken to support and counsel Samoan women from different local communities. 

One of the many purposes of the organisation is to create a brighter future for the young and old mothers so that they can look follow this year’s theme. Women counselors have played a valuable role in ensuring that the organisation’s objectives are achieved on their journey to creating a violence-free society. This also includes people with disabilities to set an example of what ‘Embrace Equity’ truly means.

The self-employed nofotane women, who have been empowered to embrace the work of their hands, were also acknowledged.

According to Siliniu, forging gender equity isn’t limited to women solely fighting the good fight. It also includes allies who are important for the social, economic, cultural and political advancement of women.

She then shared a few words on how touched she was that their partners and friends ran to assist the Campus of Hope in any way they could and is deeply grateful for the gesture. 

On Wednesday afternoon the Chinese Ambassador Samoa, Chao Xiaoliang and his staff also showed their support through the donation of school supplies and a Chinese learning class so that the children would be equipped with new skills for future opportunities.

“As a women-led organisation I represent SVSG in wishing all women a happy celebration this year, as we embrace equity to achieve gender equality," added Siliniu.