Twenty one community based organisations (C.B.O.) have obtained funding to help them implement initiatives to economically empower women. 

A statement issued by the Civil Society Support Programme (C.S.S.P.) says the funding comes under the C.S.S.P. Small Grants Component of the Samoa Women Shaping Development Programme (S.W.S.D.P.) - Gender Fund.

It also added that successful initiatives in the final round of the gender fund include sewing and elei printing for girls and women, and vegetable farming initiatives targeting both women and youth. 

Other initiatives include beekeeping for youth in some communities in Savaii, and a disability-focused project.

The Small Grants Component of the Samoa Women Shaping Development Programme (SWSDP) - Gender Fund is implemented under a partnership between the Government of Samoa and the Government of Australia in support of gender equality in Samoa. The Gender Fund is implemented through the C.S.S.P.

The C.S.S.P. organised a two-day orientation for the 21 community organisations whose project applications were successful.

The consultations started on Tuesday 28th July, 2020 for Savaii at the Village Mayor’s office at Salelologa, followed by the final workshop on Friday 31st July, 2020 at the TATTE Conference Room in Apia.

The orientation workshops aimed to inform the successful C.B.O. about the C.S.S.P. process and procedures during project implementation to ensure their compliance with funding requirements and C.S.S.P. policies.

According to the C.S.S.P. Programme Manager, Christina Taua, the orientation workshops provide information to properly prepare CBOs for the implementation of their initiatives. 

She advised the C.B.O. on the importance of good communications with C.S.S.P. and harmonious collaboration amongst themselves and their members, to successfully achieve the goals and objectives of their projects. 

The workshops concluded with all C.B.O. signing their funding agreements to officially start the utilisation of their approved grants. 

They will then start acquiring quotations from their selected suppliers to start the procurement of materials and services as required for implementation. 

This process is managed by the C.S.S.P. Programme Management Unit; no cash payments are made directly to the C.B.O. The C.S.S.P. manages procurement and makes direct payments to companies supplying the materials and services for the C.B.O. projects.

The community organisations that have received funding include: Komiti Tina ma Tamaitai Saleaula Savaii; Komiti Tina Lano Savaii; Auuso Fealofanio Metotisi Sataua Savaii; Komiti Tina Fogapoa Savaii; Komiti Tina & Tama’ita’i Samamea Fagaloa; Komiti Tina Satuimalufilufi; Komiti Tina Vailavea Samatau; Sosaiete Tina LDS Tafatafa; Mafutaga Tina Katoliko Tiavea; Komiti Tina Fagalii; Tulaele 1st Relief Society LDS;    Mafutaga Aualofa Vava’u; Aufono Salago Leauvaa; Alii ma Faipule Apia; Alii ma Faipule Lalovi Mulifanua; Apia Protestant Church Deaf Ministry; Beekeepers Association Samoa; Mafutaga Tina EFKS Falevao; Mafutaga Tama Ekalesia Penetekoso Fagalii; Mixed Farming Cooperative Society Inc Faleasiu uta; and Tupu ma Aumaga Falevao.