Samoa Government leaders, UN officials and donor partners converged on the Taumeasina Island Resort on Tuesday to mark this year's International Women's Day with ‘gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow’ the mantra of the celebrations.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck were among those who gave speeches to the conference participants which women from all walks of life in Samoa.

Reverend Brenda Reed Moenoa led the auspicious event with a brief sermon to start the formalities of the conference which was followed by the keynote address by Samoa's first female Prime Minister.

The annual celebration, according to Fiame, is an opportunity to not only celebrate women, but to acknowledge their contribution towards development in every facet of life. 

Furthermore, the Prime Minister said international recognition of women is a day to "applaud at their barrier breaking achievements and milestones" and to reflect on their strength, courage and determination to overcome challenges they face as women at all levels.

"More so, the commemoration every year, is a call for women’s voices to be heard, women’s rights to be recognised, women’s protection from all forms violence to be of utmost priority at all levels, women’s capacities and abilities to be realised and utilised and be afforded limitless opportunities for their inclusion in all aspects of life including sports, leadership roles and decision making positions in employment, cultural, church, political settings and any other," said Fiame. 

"By background, this day has been observed since the early 1900s out of an outcry by women, which saw a protest march in New York of more than 15,000 women rallying against inequality and oppression of women’s rights – including unfair employment conditions and limited or no voting rights amongst many others. 

"In the year 1975, the International Women’s day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations which its member countries subsequently joined years thereafter right to this day and year."

Fiame said the country's recognition of the day is derived out of its commitment to promote gender equality and provide equal opportunities for all. 

"It is a goal that aligns well with the Global campaign theme culminating the objectives of this commemoration – break the bias," the Prime Minister said. "This campaign theme is more articulated in the International Women’s Day 2022 overall theme – ‘gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow’. 

"It is saying no to stereotypes, gender disparity and discrimination whilst acknowledging differences and diversities that should never be regarded as barriers towards taking full grasp of available opportunities.

"Despite gender differences, everyone is entitled and should be given the opportunity to explore their full potentials and abilities regardless of what they are young or old age, has a disability or with no disability, a man or woman or any other."

Fiame noted that fighting to address violence against women and girls is imperative and made reference to evidence, which she said suggests that gender inequality increases the risk of violence against women, and made them vulnerable to sexual violence, physical violence, emotional and psychological violence, harmful traditional practices and socio-economic violence. 

"Promoting gender equality is therefore critical in the fight to address violence against women and girls. Unless we bridge that gap, the plight of gender based violence will continue to haunt our economy, our social life and basically our whole existence," the Prime Minister added.

"Additionally, the theme for International Women's Day this year speaks of the invaluable role of women in response efforts towards critical issues facing the world in this day and age, namely pandemics, natural disasters and the challenges presented by climate change on our environment, livelihood and social well-being. 

"In spite of all that aforementioned, the goal is not to draw boundaries between men and women in any way, but rather to ensure both men and women and all others have equal rights to opportunities and services according to their different needs."

Fiame also reminded the conference participants on Tuesday that there is a great need for everyone to work together to address gender inequality needs. 

“The obligation is shared. The goal to achieve gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow holds everyone accountable – the government, the private sector, villages and communities, church, development partners and all of us.”

Australia's top diplomat in Samoa, Ms Luck, spoke of the significance of the celebration and the Australian Government's commitment to assist Samoa's effort to ensure equality in Samoa. 

She also congratulated the women in Samoa who are taking up leadership roles in the different areas in Samoa's development. 

Ms. Luck noted that this year's celebration is even more special with the attendance of Samoa's first female Prime Minister to open such an important day. 

According to the diplomat, having Fiame present for Tuesday's program was a milestone that should be celebrated.

This year the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development – in partnership with the Women in Leadership in Samoa (WILS) Project – also included a special panel discussion based on this year's theme to mark the day.

The panel discussion was led by Faaolo Utumapu (Pacific Island Countries Disability Rights Fund), successful businesswoman Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai, Toluiva Keneti (social live skills advocator), Lauano Vaosa Epa (Public Service Commission Chair), local doctor Dr. Atropa Belladonna Potoi and Malagamaalii Hana Gauta-Keti (Senior Associate Lawyer at Atoa Law Firm).