This follows on efforts for the same cause by Samoa rugby.

Last Sunday, the four churches joined activists, governments officials and private sector representatives to highlight issues relevant to end violence against women and girls in Samoa.

Participating churches included: Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral, Baha'i House of Worship, All Saints Anglican Church and the Apia Harvest Centre Church.

All services were well attended with some members of the congregations wearing orange or sporting "Strong Hands Stop Violence" buttons.

Father Falaniko Matulino, of Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral, addressing the large audience said, "We pray for our women and children as we celebrate Orange Day."

"A day for awareness of ending violence against women and girls. Churches all around Samoa join us in prayer today."

As one worshipper stated, "These issues affect many families in Samoa. It is good to see so many different denominations participating to raise awareness."

"I hope the discussion started here is continued at home by families during to'onai (Sunday dinner)."

Momentum is being gained in the fight against gender-based violence in Samoa.

The 25th day of every month celebrated as ‘Orange Day' more and more Samoans are getting behind the campaign.

Orange day is an opportunity to raise awareness about gender based violence and show solidarity with the movement to End Violence against Women and Girls.

In July rugby players supported the initiative through a partnership between the Samoa Rugby Union and U.N. women.

They they dedicated the Samoa vs. Tonga match to ending gender based violence.

Both teams wore Orange arm bands in support of the cause; players from the Manu Samoa team were also involved in an E.V.A.W. (Ending Violence against Women) video.

"There is no place in our sport or our communities for violence against women," said Manu Samoa Head Coach, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia.

"We have a responsibility as Samoans to be role models and rugby gives us a platform to influence and help as many people as we can."

Source

• sobserver.ws
• sobserver.ws
• Image: sobserver.ws

Orange Day calls upon activists, governments and private sector to mobilise people and highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls, not only once a year, on 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), but every month.

This week a column in the Samoa Observer says that religious leaders have the power to introduce ideas of respect and equality in their congregations.

They possess an ordained role of leadership in their institutions and communities, serving as role models of care and compassion to transform societal or religious norms or practices that perpetuate such violence.

While leaders can call upon these communities to assist women who are facing G.B.V, they also can offer support, counselling, and guidance to those who perpetrate violence as the voice of accountability in communities.

Churches and faith based organisations that work with men and boys help accelerate progress in preventing and ending violence against women and girls. They can begin to challenge the deeply rooted inequalities and social norms that perpetuate men's control and power over women and reinforce tolerance for violence against women and girls.

Leaders also can take advantage of faith networks and work across faiths to remind communities that G.B.V violates dignity and human rights and that their faiths call upon them to be merciful, caring, and loving toward all.

Source

• samoaobserver.ws
• iniinisamoa.com
• Image: iniinisamoa.com