A non-government organisation has presented over WST$4,000 worth of equipment to the untitled men of Taga in Savai’i, as part of a broader strategy to address violence against women and girls.

The Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) announced its support for five groups of aumaga (untitled men) in Taga in a statement released on Wednesday, saying it has agreed to a proposal from the untitled men and donated four weed-eaters and two chainsaws totally valued at WST$4,796.

The donation by the S.V.S.G. is in line with a key message by the aumaga, which they believe is in line with the broader aims of the project to eliminate violence against women and girls.

O la matou tautua tuavae e malu ai a matou feagaiga.” [Our humble service protects the dignity of our covenant]

Taga village leader and representative, Ooiao Ene, said in the statement that the donated equipment will enable the untitled men to better serve the village.

“The equipment will enable the untitled men to better serve our village through cleaning and maintaining the village,” Mr. Ene said.

“Their service will also be extended to the neighbouring villages, but at a cost and the village leaders will oversee the Aumaga’s project.”

According to the non-government organisation, income earned by the aumaga from any clean up work outside their village will be put in their bank account. The savings will be used to further improve their service to the community while serving the village council during its meetings.

During the presentation of the equipment, the S.V.S.G. President Siliniu Lina Chang reminded the untitled men to work hard to generate income from the project. 

“Continue to work hard to generate income from this project to serve your community, while supporting your wives and children. Most importantly, please stay away from trouble.”

As part of the presentation ceremony, the untitled men performed an educational skit which promoted the ending of violence against women and girls. 

Seven other villages are addressing violence against women through community guides drawn up by the village councils for the general village’s compliance.

The key messages promoting anti-violence in six colleges are being documented and shared on ending violence against women and girls, accelerating progress being made on educating young boys to break the cycle of violence.

Six youth groups under the banner of the S.V.S.G. Junior are preparing to host their post-COVID Youth Festival, which would see the engagement of young people for a performing arts awareness on eliminating violence.

 “As a strong advocate of gender equality as per the SDG 5 and a human rights activist, S.V.S.G. is excited about its journey towards the end of 2022,” Siliniu said.