FAUTASI O TOA – TO ELIMINATE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
By: Asenati Taugasolo Semu
Eliminating violence against women and girls is the audible message driving the Fautasi o Toa UNDP funded challenge.
In launching the race to be contested by five longboats including the sole long boat lead by champion female skipper Vaimasanu’u Zita Martel Friday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi acknowledged that the fautasi race is one of the events to commemorate the Marist 70th Anniversary.
“Traditionally, when it comes to fautasi races, it unites entire villages, and the race is a vehicle delivering that message of unity by not just Marist but the entire country to drive this message of eliminating violence against women and girls,” said the Prime Minister.
“And we work together to build an empowered nation of citizens based on love and kindness.
“To all new women members of Fautasi o Toa…you have risen together to the challenge issued by the men of Marist to your master skipper…and whatever the outcome, let it be known that you are legendary women warriors of Samoa.”
“It’s a day of celebration of our Samoan women who have bravely stepped up,” continued the Prime Minister noting that Vaimasanu’u is revered and respected for her achievements as the first lady captain to multiple fautasi crowns on local waters and inter-island between the two Samoas.
UNDP, Resident Representative, Jorn Sorensen when voicing the support by the United Nation towards the challenge said this is unique as it’s the very first time that an all-female crew will be competing on an equal basis with their male counterparts in a traditional longboat race.
“This has never been done before so this is indeed a noteworthy milestone to be added to the legacy of our longstanding achievement of Samoan women and gender equality efforts in Samoa,” said Sorensen.
“This is also a significant point to break into gender barriers to the pursuit of equality, safety, the right to be heard and access to equal opportunities for women.
“For generations, women have fought for equality in sports and we have seen a dramatic increase in participation in over the years. This event certainly adds to this momentum.
“The elimination against women and girls and gender equality is the focus of the spotlight initiative and remains a top priority of UNDP in line with its vision of empowering lives.
“This is an excellent example of using traditional sports as an avenue to address the issue of domestic violence.”
Sorensen said the fact that the longboat is made up entirely of women and captained by a female skipper and compete with men under the same competition under the same rules, sends a very strong message that women participation in leveling the playing field for both men and women is very much possible.”
