Facts about the status of women in Samoa

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Friday, 27 June 2008
The status of women in Samoa as identified in a report compiled by the Ministry of Women Affairs for the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is such that we have equal rights. “The Constitution of Samoa embodies a strong commitment to human rights and freedoms with particular reference to equality of opportunity for all citizens,” it states. According to the report the Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits and laws and any actions by the State to discriminate anyone on the grounds of sex however the same article has nothing to prevent the making of any provision for the protection of advancement of women. The Labour and Employment Act in 1972 protects the women from activities not suited to their physical capacity. “Samoan women have experienced significant changes in their economic, social and political lives over the last half century. The most dramatic change has been their increased participation in paid employment,” the report stated. The 1991 census records 30 percents of the employees were female, and in 1999 it increased to 36%. Surprisingly enough 31 percent of the female population were unpaid worker in 1991 but 1999 left only three percent working without payment. In the Public Sector Employment for 1998, 53% of the permanent workers were female. Samoan women dominate the Manufacturing industry with 1,820 employed in it. “As of now there is not legislation which protects women from being dismissed on the grounds of pregnancy.” The report states the law even in the case of rape prohibits the abortion unless it is to save the woman’s life. A section in the report titled “Sex Roles and Stereotyping” reveals interesting factors concerning the position of women in the Samoan culture. “The principal of creation often used to illustrate the superiority of men. Although women have argued that the creation is often used to illustrate the superiority of men although women have argued that the creation of women from a rib rather than a bone from the feet are symbolic of partnership and equality.” It states that women can only attain the level of deacon in the church, and women priests are not recognized as such in Samoa. According to one point, stereotyping still exists in education but “diminishing”, as parents become more educated and aware of other options open to their daughters. Enrolment of females in courses naturally perceived as ‘male oriented’ has increased and they are moving away from home economic activities to ‘income generating activities.’ The success of women in education is slowly erasing the stereotype. From 1994 to 2000 the Education Department records state that 1489 females dropped out before Year 13. A small figure compared to the 1792 male drop-outs. By Form Six, 560 females 51 more than those of the opposite sex. It is clear by this report that women play an integral part in Samoa, now it is just a matter of that role expanding to leadership and in Parliament. Comments (5) Subscribe to this comment's feed re: written by sole, June 28, 2008 There is no such thing called "the principle of creation often used to illustrate the superiority of men". That is a lie. Gender equality ist not to be confused with "callings" by the Almighty. women society & the almighty written by Phobe Junia, June 29, 2008 Bollocks! "Callings" from the Almighty indeed....do we forsake our authentic hamo history 4 the popular palagi Almighty? Spirituality is an individual journey. Each 2 their own.... oh yeah??? written by sole, June 29, 2008 there is no such thing called men being superior and the creation principle being used to illustrate,,,where did you get such stuff?? But where are the Samoan men? written by sili, July 02, 2008 At the National University of Samoa, check out the Faculty of Education (FOE) and there you have it. Future Samoan teachers are taught by mostly women except for two male lecturers!! It shows we're on track with the gender dilemma. Its a wonder Mataafa Ken of Samoa Observer Online is posing the question of where are the Samoan men anyway? All Growth is Good Growth. Be it male or female written by Nonsense---, July 02, 2008 don't get hanged up on might--- grow in good, grow in grace-- teach, learn, understand and love the Almighty is one, as you should be Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Friday, 27 June 2008 )

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