Samoa has been given an award for its approach to the Spotlight Initiative, which aims to combat domestic and intimate partner violence.
The 'Leave No One Behind' award gives Samoa global recognition for its inclusive dialogue approach around increasing numbers of victims.
Samoa's team works with the Civil Society National Reference Group and Recipient United Nations Organisations to ensure the inclusion of women and girls who are not well integrated into existing violence prevention efforts, by meeting people in their own contexts and communities.
Domestic violence is an enduring problem in many Pacific Island states. Photo: 123rf
Jorn Sorensen, the UN Development Program's resident representative in Samoa, said while much remained to be done in the fight to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in Samoa, they took heart from awards such as these, that they were on the right track, and that the work they did was reaching those who needed it most.
Multiple organisations support the programme in Samoa, including Unesco, UN Women and Unicef.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Samoa, Simona Marinescu, said in many ways, the award gives voice to the painful silence surrounding victims of domestic violence, women and children who are denied the basic right to a dignified life.
The five programmes nominated for the 'Leave No One Behind' award included Liberia, Tajikistan, Honduras and Zimbabwe.
Dr Mema Motusaga, Chief Executive Officer of Samoa's Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, added that 'the award recognises the collective effort and partnerships within the Spotlight programme built on relevant policies, grounded on the concept of family, enhanced by cultural and religious values and a load made lighter with everyone committed to ending violence against women and girls as their main goal."