The Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.) has announced the theme for the 2023 celebration of Mother's Day.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the Ministry said Samoan mothers are represented as "benefits of conscious leadership" and this will be the theme for the commemoration of the day this year.

"Mothers have distinguished themselves for their services in different parts of the country such as in churches, families, and communities, especially in our Government," the M.W.C.S.D. said.

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Government of Samoan from colonial rule. It is no doubt that women have been one of the strong pillars behind this success. 

"This is further enhanced by Samoa electing its first female Prime Minister, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, who is also the first female leader of the Pacific."

However, women in Samoa still face challenges with the Ministry making reference to the high cases of violence against women, as well as the violence that children are subjected to from their mothers.

"Not only the sustainable benefits of women's independence, but it also celebrates the dignity and respect of women in the country. 

"The increase in violence against women is still recorded at a high of 60 percent in the Family Safety Survey (2017). In addition, the same study also recorded the high level of violence that mothers do to their children at 31 percent."

Nonetheless, the M.W.C.S.D. said the role of women in the various churches of Samoa has not diminished and highlighted 2021 data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics, which showed that the total number of women in churches is less than 3 per cent when compared to men in all the churches combined.

"However, it is recorded that the number of mothers that participate in associations such as the Mafutaga a Tina and church choirs is at 65 per cent," the Ministry said, quoting its own figures from 2017.

"It is important to discuss ways and solutions to recognize the inclusion of women in good governance and decision-making.

"This year marks the 20th anniversary of Samoa's commemoration of the National Mother’s Day, to recognize their important role in leading and serving families, communities, churches, and the Government. 

"It is a Government initiative to value the continuous development carried out by mothers, to include all people for the prosperity of Samoa."

The program for the celebration of Mothers’ Day in Samoa is led by the M.W.C.S.D. and its partners. The program for Savai'i was on Monday 8 May 2023 at the Ministry's Salelologa office. The program for Upolu will be held this Thursday 11 May at 9 am at Tooa Salamasina Sogi.