The General Secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Association has congratulated Samoa’s five women candidates who have secured seats in the next Parliament.

Y.W.C.A. General Secretary, Taimalelagi Ramona Tugaga, told the Samoa Observer in response to emailed questions that the election of the five women is a sign of increasing solidarity to get more women into public office.

“I congratulate all the women parliamentarians who succeeded the 10% quota and I feel that this is a great progress of solidarity shown towards women as their leaders into Parliament,” Taimalelagi said.

“Our forefathers have already provided platforms for us the future generation to follow through politics. 

“I believe in Samoa our leadership journeys through our voices start at our homes, communities and the society which influences politics as a pathway to making sure policies are in place for the safeguard of our young women's issues.

“Our organisation continues to empower young women through great leadership tools and shared expertise from past and current female leaders.”

Asked if she believes one day there will be an equal number of women and men parliamentarians, she said: “It will be a great momentum to have gender equity in Parliament and it's achievable.”

“We just have to affirm our stances and gain support from our immediate circle of loved ones in order for the number of women leaders to grow.”

Taimalelagi is also of the view that Samoan women are born leaders.

Four women candidates excluding unopposed Lotofaga M.P. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa overcame their male rivals in the 2021 General Election.

Matamua Vasati Pulufana defeated the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti winning the Fa’asaleleaga No.1 constituency seat in Savai’i. The wife of a former parliamentarian, Matamua contested under the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party banner.

Caretaker Minister of Health, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers retains the Gagaifomauga No.1 seat and became the only one of her female colleagues from the previous term of the Parliament to survive the election. 

She is joined by newcomers and H.R.P.P. flag bearer for Falealupo, Leota Tima Leavai. The other election woman was Mulipola Rosa Molioo who took an early leap from pre-polling up to the final countdown, conquering five men who contested the Palauli No.1 seat.

A statutory mandate ensuring a 10 per cent quota for women in Parliament will not need to be activated after the election of the five women into the XVII Parliament.

The quota system is designed to increase women's political participation and reserves five seats in the Parliament for women Members if no woman is elected during a general election.