Members meet at monthly meetings, usually held at
lunchtime or occassionally in the evenings or after work. Guest speakers and
panel discussions are held during meetings.
2005 - 2006
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SAWG ACTIVITIES
Visit from H.E.Rt Hon. Donald McKinnon, Secretary General Commonwealth Secretariat
SAWG was very privileged to have Hon. Donald McKinnon spending an afternoon with our executive members. SAWG adopted the Commonwealth theme of “Creating Opportunities and Realising Potentials” which was used for our conference, and we were encouraged by Hon. McKinnon presence where he got to have more insight to our organisation and he shared how the Commonwealth Secretariat can assist us with our projects. |
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SAWG-PGWNet Conference 2005
 This major event brought together expertise from the Pacific region and Samoa . The objectives of the conference were to:
• provide opportunities for information exchange and sharing
• provide opportunities for learning through hands-on training workshops
• raise issues pertaining to the role of women as agents of change
• arrive at resolutions to address these issues specific to the Pacific island states
Taking its theme Creating Opportunity and Realising Potential, from the Commonwealth Day 2005 theme, the conference papers and discussions followed four sub-themes in ICT, Education, Peace, and Health; and attracted keynote speaker s including the UNDP Representative in Samoa; UNIFEM Pacific Director, Chair of the National Fiji Reconciliation Committee; as well as speakers from UNESCO, SPREP and others. Presentations were also made from CEOs of the Ministries for Women, Community and Social Development; Health; PSC; Telecommunication and the Attorney General. The conference papers and the Opening Address by the Prime Minister have been compiled into a publication that ensures these are accessible to others unable to attend the Conference.
A special congratulations to Leatuolevao Ruby Va'a and Dr. Emma Kruse Vaai, for editing and compiling the book for our conference. Thanks to all members for assisting in getting this project moving. The book launch will be the next project. |
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Involvement in the Youth Crime Driver's Survey
As part of its community service and contribution, and in keeping with SAWG aims to raise public awareness on human rights and development issues; some SAWG members were involved in the first survey initiated by the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Fire Station on what drives youth to commit crimes. Some of the findings showed that the youth population in the Tafaigata Prison were mainly convicted for narcotics. Ninety percent were males while only ten percent were females (only 5). Only males were most likely to re-offend while females get convicted only once. Most of the females were convicted for Property offences which included theft as a servant. The younger females were involved in public assault in public places.
Driving factors included peer influences, under the influence of beer/alcohol and anger in particular for narcotics. Property offences were due not only by peer influence but also youth stole because they want goods to be sold to get money for alcohol. Some also stole, including females, to make ends meet. Offences again persons were not only due to influence of alcohol but also anger.
This survey was completed in May. The report is yet to be launched.
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Launch and Distribution of Children's Book
The Launch of Children's Book “The Wedding” or “O le Faaipoipoga” was held in April 2006, written by SAWG Executive Member and Past President Dr. Emma Kruse Vaai. This wonderfully illustrated children's book has been published in Samoan and English languages to assist in promoting bilingual literacy in schools. With the kind assistance of the British High Commission to Dr Emma Kruse Vaai, 2000 copies of the book have been donated to all the primary schools in Samoa .
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Opening of Physiotherapy Clinic
SAWG Members have continued also to promote development of health care for women and girls, and raise public awareness on health issues, through their various activities such as the successful opening of the “Epenesa Physiotherapy Private Clinic” owned and operated by SAWG Member Epenesa Pouesi Young, in August 2006.
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NZFGW 27 th Triennial Conference
A delegation of four SAWG.PWGNet members attended the above conference in Wellington NZ. Funding was available through NZ Aid and a report will be tabled by the participants during the AGM meeting. |
SAWG FUNDRAISERS
Annual Golf Tournament 
The SAWG Fathers Day annual Golf tournament has become one of the most prestigious event in the Golf calendar. This is held on Samoa 's father's day public holiday, and about 200 fathers turns up. The Tournament organized and coordinated by SAWG was held at Fagalii Golf Course and saw 73 teams playing this year, our most successful turn-out in the past three years since SAWG first commenced this exciting annual event. SAWG with the assistance of our sponsors, funded most of the prizes including provision of a delicious buffet lunch. Funds raised from the SAWG Golf Tournament are primarily utilized for SAWG projects notably our Dictionaries and Scholarships Annual Projects. |
Luncheons
SAWG held an exciting fundraising luncheon, with the presentation by Masiofo Filia Tamasese made to a well attended 100 guests. Drawing on her experience of over 25 years supporting her husband's campaigns, Masiofo Tamasese attributed their success to women, saying that “women are an essential factor in winning the elections” and that the winning strategy was working through well organized small committees of women in the electorate .
Our other luncheon guest speaker was Dr. Juliet Boon, whose topic was on Samoa & Japan with concerns regarding mangrove development, and looking at sustainable of community-based conservation projects in Samoa & Japan. There was a great turn out with SAWG executive members providing a scrumptious lunch which was thoroughly enjoyed by the participants. |
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