[Source: Press Secretariat]
This week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi delivered the keynote address for the Official Opening of the inaugural National Forum for Women in Agriculture, Floriculture and Agri-Business.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi delivering the keynote address for the Official Opening of the inaugural National Forum for Women in Agriculture, Floriculture and Agri-Business
“It is widely known in our country, that the sustainable developments that are well-planned and competently implemented are usually led by the Women. ‘E au le inailau a Tina.’ I therefore am pleased to address you at this auspicious occasion and to see so many friends with whom I have had the pleasure to deliberate and work with in Agriculture and Floriculture over the past years.” Said Tuilaepa.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa applauded the initiative and encouraged the participants to utilize the opportunities presented through the forum.
“This is a wonderful occasion where the new branch of the Samoa Farmers Association is recognized with the launching of the ‘National Forum for Women in Agriculture, Floriculture and Agri-business’ today. The establishment of this new Association acknowledges the availability of opportunities for women in agribusiness or floriculture, and promotes opportunities for young women to learn from those who are leading in agriculture.”
“I encourage our Women Associations to maximize the use of this forum as a learning experience to flourish new networks, share your experiences and successes, and raise issues to the forefront that will allow your efforts to be continually supported in your respective fields,” stated the Prime Minister.
Facilitated by the Samoa Farmers Association (SFA) and funded by the Pacific Island Farmers Organization Network (PIFON), the forum brought together women from across the country to discuss their valuable contributions to agriculture, fisheries, livestock, floriculture and processing. These deliberations will in turn contribute greatly to achieving sustainable development goals, in particular, food security and improved nutrition, as well as gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
Tuilaepa reiterated that farming networks exist in the Pacific and the world, and that this forum will allow women to attract the attention of the world as they showcase their unique Samoan style and approach to agriculture, floriculture and agri-business.
The forum included presentations from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Floriculture experts, METI, Women in Business (WIBDI) and the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS) to name a few.