Advocates pushing to end gender-based violence in Samoa hope a television program will be televised nationally to ensure their messages get out to the wider community.

The TV program is coordinated by the Samoa Civil Society National Reference Group and is part of the United Nations Spotlight Initiative.

The Spotlight Initiative is a global project to end violence against women and girls.

A campaign called the 16 Days of Healing Campaign started recently to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism on 25 November and will conclude on 10 December.

In a response to questions from the Samoa Observer, the co-chair of the faith-based organisation seat of the Samoa Civil Society National Reference Group, Lemau Palaamo said that the 16 Days of Healing Campaign is a reminder that the people of Samoa are loved, cherished and full of spiritual guidance.

“It relates to the 16 days of Activism in all aspects of advocacy in relation to all the different arms of the Samoan people such as faith-base, community, sports-related, academia, men and boys, fa’afafine, National Council of Women, Samoa Victims Support, youth and people with disability,” she said.

According to Mrs. Palaamo, there are 10 groups involved in the program which represents the members of the Samoa Civil Society National Reference Group.

“There are 10 groups involved in this programme which represents the 10 members of our Samoa Civil Society National Reference Group,” she said.

“All groups are presenting different and diverse opinions in particular the Spotlight Initiative to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

“We are hoping that our programme will be televised on all stations as this is such an important Initiative that will touch the hearts of our people and a reminder of who we are and where we come from.”

When asked if similar events like this will be hosted in the near future, she said they are focusing on their 16 Days of Healing Campaign.

“We are currently just concentrating on our 16 Days of Healing Campaign at the moment. Going with the flow and to see where this campaign will lead us,” she added.