Men To Solve Violence Against Women

Written by Pio Sioa
Sunday, 17 August 2008
TROUBLE MAKERS : Menfolks brought together by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development to sort out the problem of domestic violence, especially against the women. Men are now officially a part of the search for the protection of the family from home violence in Samoa, after a special call up at the Tooa Salamasina Hall yesterday. The Men Against Violence Public Meeting was to try and set up a special grouping of men to address the violence concerns. The gathering put a smile on the face of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development The Ministry’s experience after the many years of trying is showing that the role of fathers is an ‘essential element missing’ in the search for solutions to the violence in all its forms against women and children. “The Ministry mandate has always been restricted to the welfare and the wellbeing of the women and children,” Assistant Chief Executive Officer in Charge of the division of women, Ms Kuiniselani Tago, noted in the lead up to yesterday’s meeting. Men were always left out until the new change in focus after the problem of violence showed that more input from other key areas were needed to address the situation. Domestic violence is an issue started with a study by the Ministry in 2000 and continued as an Australian assistance project until the Childrens’ arm of the United Nations, UNICEF, took over this year. There were other anti-violence activities undertaken during the celebration of International Day For Women this year and the celebration of Father’s day this week. All helped contribute to the formation of the new advocacy group. ACEO Tago also revealed an undertaking by the Ministry that directly related to a study of the influence on the men. “This year we decided to look at the problem from a different perspective, and we wanted to look at men taking action as something new, so we randomly selected 4 villages to study. “The outcome of that study is the special grouping we are now trying to form for men to take over responsibility for their actions.” The advocate group for Men Against Violence will be trusted with the role of trying ‘to mobilize the power of the men of Samoa against the scourge of violence.” Asst. CEO Tago believes very strongly that “men and fathers are after all the natural protectors of their womenfolk, their children and their communities. Sadly they are the perpetrators as well.” A turnout of several hundred people, with a stand out presence of the village ’pulenu’u (mayors) discussed the issue, and to decide on the actions to take. Comments (4) Subscribe to this comment's feed ... written by Anaua, August 17, 2008 This is a brilliant idea. Looking at the pictures, the majority of the men involved are the about to die generation, tulou le mamalu o tama o le atunuu. They are the remnants of the generation of extreme domestic violence against mothers, and their input should be valuable for the stragetic developments in the ministry. On the other hand, the ministry has to be careful not to involve the village authority too much in a sort of policing manner, represented by the village mayors, where village penalties of ati ma le lau, banishment of people from their homes, 100 aumakua or so, could become the solution. Nice day folks ... written by malo sole, August 18, 2008 malo lava,,,,, Violence O The Violence written by I see Now--, August 19, 2008 Madness this culture of violence we have. For years, I saw the disrespect of woman in my village. I cannot imagine today if this is true. I have never seen so much violence against woman it is a vey bad memory and should be changed. I am glad we begin the process of healing. Frankly, it is sad, to have seen so close, but glad we have acknowledge the fact that our woman folks are equals to our men. About time something was done written by Veta try again, August 19, 2008 It's about time the Ministry of Womens Affairs took up the cudgels against domestic violence. MOA have been the lead agency for more than 15 years while our govt. has basically just stood by. Anyone with half a brain would acknowledge that Samoa today is more violent, more abusive and more blas'e about what is going on. Judging by the number of young (and I mean very young) girls I see turning up pregnat at Moototua hospital, sexual violence, and particularly incest is rampant. Some empirical research also needs to be undertaken to bring about effective counter-measures. We might founded on God but we dance with the devil a little too often. Samoan men need to take a good at themselves. Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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