Women's Equality Month Unpacking Gender Inequality, and Domestic Violence

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director, AS Alliance
August is gender equality month.  Over the past few years, we have witnessed great strides in Gender Equality.  In the US we voted in our first Black and first South Asian Vice President, Ms. Kamala Harris.  The first woman and first African led the World Trade Organization, Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.  Countries were able to change their child marriage laws, by disallowing children under 15 to marry, and requiring consent by young girls.  If consent was not provided, the marriage could be invalidated.  As of 2023 it is reported at least 11.3 percent of countries have Heads of State, and 9.8 percent have females leading the government.  In American Samoa our Congresswoman is Mrs. Amata Radewagen.  American Samoa Community College is led by Dr. Rosevonne Pato.  Development Bank DBAS Director is Ms.  Ruth Matagi, and Criminal Justice Director is  Mrs Mariana Faiai.  World policies regarding gender equality, and human rights are led primarily by women, but even with these wins, gender equality is predicted to be accomplished in 300 years.
Gender equality is crucial for our community.  It is important to understand gender equality does not mean we are asking that men and women rights are the same.  We are asking for the rights, duties and provisions provided is not determined based on sex, male, female.  Gender equality is a request for fairness of treatment for all gender.  Gender equality is not met, when men are paid more than for the same occupation.  Women should have the same comparable pay as men when performing the same work.  Women are often labeled the “weaker sex”, which often prohibits women to steer their choices in future careers.  Yet many women face family violence in their marriages, and home.  Laughing Samoan comedian, Ete shared the first time he hit his wife, was while driving in the car and punching her face.  He expressed in the beginning of his marriage there were disagreements about his role of being the protector.  When he disagreed with his wife, he lashed out by beating her.  By sharing his story and the healing between he and his wife, it provides hope that we can end gender-based violence.
Here are some things that you can do to end gender-based violence.  Listen to and believe survivors.  A woman who shares here story of violence can be her first step to ending the cycle of abuse.  You can support victim by reminding them they are in a safe space.  Tell them you hear them, and believe them—let them know they are safe.  It is important that we share with our young people the appropriate ways to treat each other.  Empower them to listen, learn gain information about how to disengage with each other and not cause violence.  Most importantly we must all learn about consent and support those who do not provide their consent.  When someone says no, we need to actively hear them.  We all most look out for the signs of abuse, and learn how to help.  If you think someone is being abused, or if you are being abused, help is available.  Talk to a trained advocate, a helpline but find someone you can get help.  Lastly, talk about violence against all gender, women, girls, transwomen, fa’afafine, etc.  We cannot stay silent.  You can show your activism by posting about it on your facebook page, or share it with your friends.  Read about women’s based rights, and do not stay silent.
 
Reference:
N.A.  2023 Importance of Gender Equality retrieved from : Importance of Gender Equality - Free Essay Example - 1611 Words | StudyDriver.com
Subrmaniam, T.  2023.  Gender Equality will take 300 years to achieve, Un Chief warns.  Retrieved 8/31/2023 from: Gender equality will take 300 years to achieve, UN chief warns | CNN
Laughing Samoan Ete and Wife Mele Share their Story of Family Violence retrieved from video: Laughing Samoan Ete and wife Mele share their story of family violence - Bing video