The United Nation Women’s Pacific Civil Society Advisory Group (C.S.A.G.) has selected Lemalu Nele Leilua to be part of the women’s advocacy group. 

Lemalu who is also the Chairperson of the Samoa Ala Mai Advocacy Group that aims to Increase the Political Participation of Women in Samoa (I.P.P.W.S) has been active in the women’s social movement. 

She is amongst 10 other individuals from around the Pacific who were selected for their experience and knowledge in gender equality area and women’s human rights empowerment. 

Her appointment is a reflection of her steadfast commitment as an advocate and activist for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the region. 

Lemalu will be attending the first inaugural meeting of the Pacific CSAG held in Suva Fiji in December this year. 

The meeting will assist the members in putting together their plans and strategies in moving forward in 2017. 

U.N. (C.S.A.G.s) were established four years ago as advisory and advocacy bodies and offer the opportunity to create a civil society solidarity network that can coordinate efforts with U.N. Women. Their main goal is to accelerate information sharing, advocacy and strategic action to achieve gender equality by 2030. 

This mechanism recognises the key historical role of feminist and women’s social movements to the U.N. human rights system. 

Lemalu, a local consultant has worked alongside AusAid consultants in the preparation of Samoa’s 5 year Gender Plan 2013-2018.

The mother has also represented Samoa in many international development conferences including the last Small Island Development States meeting in Samoa 2014.  

She was the Samoa Umbrella Non Government Organisation (S.U.N.G.O.) coordinator for the Major Groups leading up to the S.I.D.S. conference and presented the Major Groups Statement on the first day plenary session of the Conference.