With the aim to enhance leadership pathways for young women, for four days next week, 30 young women community leaders, 18- 35 years, from the districts of Anoamaa, in Samoa will be participating in a Training for Trainers (ToT) in Faleapuna.

Statistically, women represent 49% of the total population of Samoa. From that number, only 10% are matai holders and 5% are participating in the village fono, which indicates that the opportunity for them to voice opinion and perspectives on village decision-making processes is limited and restricted.

The ToT is based on the Village Leadership Development Initiative’s (VLDI) which aims to enhance the leadership pathways for women as well as men in these communities. This also includes identifying the challenges hindering women’s leadership and working together to create initiatives to break through these barriers. The initiative ultimately aims to recognize women’s leadership at the community level and progress gender equality in Samoa.

This training is organised and facilitated by the Women in Leadership in Samoa (WILS) Project, a three-year project implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women with funding from the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Samoa.

“Investing in women’s and girl’s capacity as upcoming leaders is critical to achieving gender equality,” said Deputy Representative, Sarah Boxall

This is the first in a series of trainings that will provide opportunities for young women from communities that are involved in the design and implementation of their District Development Plans developed through the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.

<ENDS>

Media enquiries should be directed to:

1. Ms. Jordanna Mareko, Communication Project Coordinator, UN Joint WILS Project, UNDP Samoa Office, Ph.: Tel: +685-23670 ext. 62 or Email: jordanna.mareko@unwomen.org