Good morning.
2. Today, we remember with gratitude our Heavenly Father’s grace and
love in consideration of the nation coping with the outbreak of the
COVID19 virus in our community. We continue to thank Him for his

blessings that has made it possible for us to meet this morning and we
continue to beseech upon his everlasting love and healing upon us and
our nation;
3. It is a pleasure that I welcome today the Chairman of the Board of the
Samoa Victims’ Support Group, Afioga Georgina Lui and esteemed
members of the SVSG;
Today is an auspicious day marking the first ever direct assistance by
the Government of Samoa to the SVSG in support of its ongoing efforts
and programs in the fight to eliminate violence against women and girls.
A cause that not only continues to remain at the forefront of global
issues but also prevalent in our society today.
4. For years the Government has supported various programs and efforts
through our Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development to
eliminate violence against women and girls but today, it partners with
the SVSG in this significant battle in ensuring a safe and secure future
for our children;
5. Approximately 46% of women in Samoa have reported to have been in a
relationship where they have experienced some form of abuse by their
partner which includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse. This
figure is concerning and the Government therefore acknowledges the
significant contribution that the SVSG have made to this fight over the
course of the past two decades;
6. The funding to be disbursed following the signing of today’s Funding
Agreement will support current efforts of the SVSG that include:
a. Counselling for victims and offenders;
b. Advocacy programs within the communities and across the
country to reduce the incidence of abuse;
c. Support for food and medical supplies at all SVSG shelters;
d. Support to raise economic conditions of families of victims of
abuse to address welfare that include the Nofotane Program and
others;
e. Awareness programs that will cover colleges;

f. Support programs to assist child vendors;
g. Administration assistance to the SVSG to support the
implementation of the stated efforts.

7. The commitment of the Government Samoa portrayed through this
assistance supports the vision of the Pathway for the Development of
Samoa 2021/22 – 2025/26 of “Fostering Social Harmony, Safety and
Freedom for all” through addressing both directly and indirectly the Key
Strategic Outcome 1 of Improved Social Development with specific focus
on the protection and well-being of children, women, survivors of
domestic violence and those considered as most vulnerable.
8. I take the opportunity on behalf of the Government of Samoa to thank
the SVSG for agreeing to this collaboration. We have no doubt SVSG will
continue to improve its organization to deliver results as expected. I
thank you for the years of hard work, commitment and dedication taken
by the President, the Board, Management and all the employees of the
SVSG and their volunteers and associates.
9. Thank you to all our development partners that are assisting Samoa in
our fight to end violence against women and children.
10. To conclude, I wish the SVSG all the best for the year as we
continue to pray for our beloved Samoa.

Faafetai ma ia Manuia