On Tuesday last week, the newly elected Executive Committee for the SVSG Upolu village representatives
gathered at the Princessa Hotel at Motootua for their first meeting this year.
This gathering came about after the election of the Executive Committee comprised of a Chairman – Tusa
Tupuola Misa from Matautu Falealili, Vice Chairman – Alesana Seuinuutasi from Vailuutai; Secretary – Nifo
Moananu from Vaoala and Treasurer – Taatiti Seve Simei of Elise Fou.
Sixteen other members of the Executive Committee were selected from ten constitutiencies in Upolu.
The meeting was chaired by the Vice Chairman, Alesana Seuinuutasi (SVSG Vilalge Rep of Vailuutai) on
behalf of the Chairman Tupuola Misa (SVSG Village Rep Matautu Falealili) who away due to illness.
The meeting discussed the Workplan for the village leaders to support the work of SVSG in the community.
Particularly important is the response role played by the SVSG village representatives, in responding to
cases of gender based violence referred to SVSG through the Helpline, or referred from the village
representatives themselves.
An initiative from the new Executive Committee is for SVSG to carry out awareness programs in each
village with a focus on two main areas: 1. Domesctic Violence; and 2. SVSG Support Services
According to the new Executive Committee, “the more awareness, the better.” “If our people are made
aware of violence being a crime and the consequences of committing such crime, the perpetrators will
think twice before resulting to violence. If the victims of violence are made awareness of the support
services available, they will be encouraged to speak up.”
The meeting of the Executive Committee for the Upolu SVSG Village Representatives will be held after
every three months.