Samoa’s CEO for Women, Community, and Social Development, Loau Donina Va’a, has told Commonwealth delegations at the United Nations’ annual gender meeting (CSW) that Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) last October was a ‘defining moment’ for gender equality.
Loau is part of the seven-member delegation to CSW69, which includes two civil society organisations (CSOs) and is led by Minister Laga’aia Tufuga, Minister for Women, Community, and Social Development.
“In Samoa, we serve – and it is in service that we create lasting change,” Loau said in a presentation to Commonwealth heads of delegation, ahead of CSW69 opening celebrations in New York.
The theme for 2025 marks 30 years of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPA).
As the CHOGM 2024 host nation, Samoa also convened high-level events—including the Commonwealth Women’s Forum (CWF)—that have delivered meaningful progress under the Beijing Platform.
Sharing this success in a special convening this week in New York, Loau emphasised that Samoa’s hosting of the CWF united the nation in advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.
“This was more than an event—it was a movement, a call for unity, action, and lasting change,” Loau said. “Through preparation, hosting, and delivery, Samoa proved that the Pacific is not just a participant in global dialogues—we are leaders.”
The CWF, like CHOGM, marked a historic first for the Pacific’s developing nations. More than 400 delegates from 56 Commonwealth countries attended, with 10 ministers actively engaged in the CWF gender agenda.
The event showcased Pacific collaboration in action, bringing together grassroots organisations, Pacific youth, UN Women, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and regional partners.
As host nation, Samoa formed a national taskforce of 20 trailblazing Samoan women from 13 sectors, engaging in regional dialogues with PIFS, SPC, DFAT Samoa, and UN agencies in the Pacific.
These collaborative efforts strengthened Pacific leadership in shaping discussions and helped the 2024 CWF deliver an action-driven blueprint for gender equality.
Loau shared how national unity was reinforced as villages came together to beautify their surroundings, and children, women, and youth embraced the cultural diversity of the Commonwealth by learning to greet one another in different languages.
Samoa also led gender equality efforts with bold dialogues between the Prime Minister and fellow leaders on the importance of male champions in advancing gender justice.
The Manaia Market at CHOGM showcased Pacific women’s economic empowerment, bringing together over 40 Markets for Change entrepreneurs in a vibrant display of resilience and innovation—delivering an economic boost for women-led businesses across Samoa.
“In short, Samoa didn’t just host the CWF—we built connections, strengthened solidarity, and set a blueprint for a more inclusive and equal future,” said Loau.
She highlighted that 20% of Samoa’s 51 million tala annual budget is now allocated to gender-responsive financing for women-led initiatives beyond 2024.
The Minister for Women, Community, and Social Development, Laga’aia Tufuga, a father of three daughters, saw the significance of this moment in recognising and uplifting women and girls.
“What we need is respect, patience, and alofa,” he said. “With that, we should be able to tackle any issue without resorting to abuse.”
The Commonwealth Women’s Forum and CHOGM were more than just gatherings—they marked a pivotal moment for action. Samoa stepped forward not just to participate, but to lead, institutionalise change, and create a model for the Commonwealth.
“Samoa has not just talked about change—we have implemented it,” Loau stated. “We accelerated action by securing an $8 million investment into gender equality, disability, and social inclusion initiatives.
Today, 57% of public sector management roles are held by women, shaping national policy and leading key ministries.
Across district councils, women and youth are encouraged to participate in decision-making—these are real commitments to gender equality in action.” Importantly, Loau emphasised that the Commonwealth Women’s Forum has left a lasting legacy for the nation.
Samoa welcomed CHOGM with the Gaualofa voyaging canoe, a symbol of Pacific heritage and our collective journey toward gender justice.
A ‘Torch of Change’, first carried by Samoan children and youth, traveled across four continents before arriving in Samoa aboard the Gaualofa, carried by Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) executives.
“The torch signifies zero tolerance for violence, inspired by the SVSG youth and young people of Samoa. Like the Women’s Forum, it reinforced regional commitments to gender-responsive policies and amplified Pacific voices on the global stage.”
Looking ahead to CSW69, Loau underscored the need to sustain this momentum. “Collaboration must drive solutions. Leadership must make gender equality an expectation. Action must turn commitments into impact. And Progress must be measured by results. CLAP—Collaboration, Leadership, Action, and Progress—to champion gender equality!” Samoa’s statement to CSW69 is scheduled as part of the plenary submissions in the coming days.
