The highest number of trainees to advocate for gender equality through the economic empowerment of nofotane women, was recorded during the 6th training session for the Aana Alofi constituencies for the U.N. Women Fund for Gender Equality (U.N. Women F.G.E.) and S.V.S.G.’s project currently underway.

A total of 43 S.V.S.G. village representatives including village mayors, village council members, church leaders and women’s committee leaders from Faleasiu to Satapuala took time out from their busy schedules, to be trained on how to effectively advocate to the village, church and women leaders in their respective leaders, on the economic empowerment of women.  

This is part of the U.N. Women F.G.E. and S.V.S.G. project addressing gender equality through the economic empowerment of nofotane women.

While there continues to be mixed views on the role of the nofotane (married women living with husband’s family) in comparison to that of the faiavā (married man living with wife’s family), what these mixed views share, are the contribution of Christianity and culture to the necessary changes to realize gender equality.  

These changes however, should address gender equality issues faced by men and women, rather than changing any cultural aspect of the status of either a nofotane or a faiavā in the village hierarchy.

According to Apulu Faatasiga, S.V.S.G. village representative for Faleasiu, stated that in the Bible, there is no such thing as a nofotane woman as it only mentions “God creating a woman, a helper for Adam.”  

Says he, “Po’o ai le toeaina ma le loomatua na faavaea le upu lea o le nofotane ma le faiavā, aua i le Tusi Paia, o Eva o le fesoasoani o Atamu, ae leai se upu faapea o le nofotane.”

S.V.S.G. President once again acknowledge the support from the community leaders towards the project, and for this 6th training session, Reverend Eric Mulitalo & the C.C.C.S. Congregation of Fasitoo-tai for hosting the training at the C.C.C.S. Hall.