On this International Women’s Day, I extend heartfelt greetings to the inspiring women and girls of Samoa. As the saying goes, ’empowered women empower nations.’ I express deep gratitude to God for blessing us with your strength, courage and determinationโthe very pillars of our community’s progress. Today serves as a poignant reminder of your worth and boundless potential. As we celebrate your remarkable achievements, let us collectively strive for enduring gender equality in Samoa and beyond. Resilient women, you are the architects of change, the leaders of tomorrow, and the beating heart of our nation.
While women and girls have made significant strides in dismantling stereotypes and pushing towards a more just world, they continue to face immense obstacles. Countless endure marginalization, injustice, discrimination and the persistent epidemic of violence against women remains a blight on humanity.
On International Women’s Day, we stand in solidarity with women and girls fighting for their rights and commit to accelerating progress. This year’s theme, “Invest in Women,” emphasizes the imperative for tangible financial commitment to dismantle patriarchy. We must support women’s organizations at the forefront and invest in programs combating violence against women, fostering women’s inclusion and leadership in economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding and climate action.
Success hinges on unlocking sustainable development finance, ensuring we have the resources to invest in women and girls and elevating the representation of women in leadership roles.
Women’s rights pave the way for fair, peaceful and prosperous societiesโa benefit for us all.
Together, let’s take immediate and concerted action to transform this vision into reality.