Intersections of Gender Equality, Domestic and Sexual Violence & Impact to Change in American Samoa

written by Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
There are certain roles placed on gender, (i.e. male, female, youth, etc), roles that are supported by gender norms that are found within the Samoan community. 
 
As Samoans we tend to be patriarchal, often expressed in our family structure. It is the woman’s job to maintain the home and are primary caretaker of the children, whereas men are the primary income providers. The men are key decision makers in the home, and many family Matai’s are men.  A Matai is chosen based on loyalty and service to the aiga. He is responsible for the well-being of each member of the aiga. 
 
These differences in roles and behaviors can create complex inequalities. It can create empowerment and disadvantages between genders. In patriarchal societies, similar to Samoan’s women can be seen as insubordinate to men, placing them in lower social status (i.e. most villages only allow for men to serve as Matai’s), allowing men control over women. When there are inequalities in gender it increases the acts of violence by men against women. Societies that support the notion men have a right to control women and girls create vulnerability to physical, emotional, and sexual violence by men. 
 
Domestic and sexual violence is any behavior whereby the purpose is to gain power and control over a spouse, partner, girl/boyfriend, or intimate family member. Abuse is a learned behavior, and it is not caused by anger, mental problems, drugs or alcohol or other common excuses. The violence is supported by power and control defined by gender roles.
Other signs of gender issues are the low levels of women politically represented, although some may say there is an increase of women in Director’s positions within the American Samoa Government, in the aiga setting, they are underrepresented as decision makers.
 
The move to change gender inequality in American Samoa is slow. Gender attitudes and behaviors in our community is deeply rooted. During the next month, the Alliance will host a Webinar to promote education regarding gender equality and inequities.  There will be two sessions, one in English and one in Samoan date to be announced. We have developed Public Service Announcements (PSA), which portray two young Samoan men talking about gender roles, please visit our website at: as alliance.co. Follow our Facebook page as increase awareness and education regarding gender equality, and interventions to change violence against women and how to prevent it. For more information, please contact the Alliance via email at: asadsv@gmail.com, or contact Judy Matautia at 699-0272, or email: judym.asadsv@gmail.com