New programme targets nofotane

By Sarafina Sanerivi 04 March 2016, 12:00AM

The Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G) has launched a new programme for nofotane* women survivors of violence in Samoa. The programme looks to empower nofotane survivors of violence.

In partnership with the British government through its British Bilateral Programme Fund, the programme is a part of S.V.S.G’s advocacy role in eliminating violence against women.

Siliniu Lina Chang, the President of S.V.S.G, said the programme will be held in Savaii and Upolu.

 “In order to gauge the support of villages, churches, and families of the participants, the first part of the project will see leading S.V.S.G. village representatives involved in advocacy trainings to improve their capacity to raise awareness in villages on the importance of women’s economic empowerment as a preventive measure to domestic violence.”

They will be working with womens committees and womens church fellowships to build partnership networks to mentor and encourage women.

“The programme focuses on training and encouraging nofotane women survivors of violence with disabilities to utilize skills to generate income for themselves and their families.

 “We do not only provide counselling support, relevant referrals to hospital, Police or overnight shelter, but we also look at economic empowerment to sustain these women and their families.

 “The nofotane women survivors of violence with disabilities are inclusive of those who have been mentally affected by the trauma associated with violence.

“It is therefore apparent that the beneficiaries of the economic empowerment of these vulnerable individuals in our community will extend to include their children and families.”

An official from the British High Commission Office will visit Samoa early April to witness the implementation of the programme.

 

*Nofotane is a Samoan word for a woman who stays with her husband at his family.



By Sarafina Sanerivi 04 March 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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