More than 20 of Samoa’s future leaders discussed concepts of gender, equality, women’s human rights and gender mainstreaming at a workshop that began yesterday.
The Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (C.E.D.A.W.) training process is being held at the To’oa Salamasina hall, and being run by the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.)
In her opening speech M.W.C.S.D.
C.E.O. Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe said discrimination against women and girls continues to plague each and every one of us in our society.
“And is a cross cutting impediment in every country’s efforts in achieving a quality of life for all,” she said.
“C.E.D.A.W. was signed and ratified by Samoa in September 1992 and there has been rapid progress on the work contributing to the advancement of all women.”
“As a State party to the convention, it is imperative that our policy makers, legislative drafters and key people who are at the forefront of implementation design, put in place effective and gender responsive mechanisms to cater to the needs of women and girls.”
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Leituala said that it is only through a rejuvenated technical capacity, enhanced commitment, and strategic forward looking that they will be able to press on and realise the vision of ending all forms of discrimination against women.
“This training session has been made possible through the Ministry’s continuous partnership with the technical assistance from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community – Regional Rights Resources team based in Suva, Fiji,” she said.
She also stated that the Ministry and its development partners hope that the training will provide Government and non Government partners as well as the media with a better understanding of C.E.D.A.W.
“This learning will be applied in their (the participants) respective areas of work to advance the implementation of C.E.D.A.W. in Samoa,” said Leituala.
“Through amplified awareness of women’s rights and work towards firmly establishing within our country, a legal culture supportive of women’s equality and non discrimination.
“I hope that this training will contribute to your roles in advancing the status of women including women in disability in Samoa.
“The path is neither straight nor predetermined, it is created.
“It is imperative that you stay true to your commitment and know that every action you take is symbolic of a stepping stone made towards realising this vision that ‘There is nothing About Us, Without Us’.”
She said the workshop would also address the C.E.D.A.W. optional protocols and application of articles including affirmative action and temporary special measures explained to them.
The training ends tomorrow.
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