The Torch of Peace on its 10 day journey around Samoa

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – 31 October 2023: The Torch of Peace is on the second of its ten day journey around Samoa with its message to end the abuse and violence against of women, girls and children.

The torch started its journey early Monday morning with a prayer service in-front of the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) office next to the Police headquarters in Apia.

The event is a milestone as SVSG celebrates 18 years since it opened its doors to help the vulnerable women, girls and children.

The event started with a prayer service led by Reverend Dr. Latu Latai of EFKS Apia who posed the question “When will we see the end of abuse of women and girls?”

“It ends now, it begins with you and me, with Government through laws, with village councils through their support of laws, with churches through their prophetical works, with teachers, parents and with your language,” said Reverend Latai.

He referred to the dying tradition of evening prayers as the daily gathering of the family for a word of spiritual encouragement, commendation and disciplining the children and the parents are losing touch with their children and family.

Reverend Dr. Latai handing the Torch of Peace to the Minister for Women & Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o.

SVSG’s Acting Board Chairperson, Tanya Toailoa said the Torch of Peace is adopted as a meaningful and impactful Gender Based Violence (GBV) initiative, and a way of acknowledging Samoa and the Spotlight Initiative for taking the journey with them.

“Putting the spotlight on the Torch of Peace is therefore SVSG’s effort to raise the visibility on community solidarity, community engagement and community action to address GBV to date, with an emphasis on violence against the most vulnerable, usually women and children,” she said.

Toailoa said the number of violent cases against women and girls is increasing and some have even lost lives due to the violence against them.

“And as a strong advocate of violence for free families and communities, SVSG continues to remain hopeful,” she said.

UNDP Resident representative Aliona Nucilita delivered the keynote address where she pledged their continued support to the fight to end violence against women and girls.

She also acknowledged the perseverance of the Samoa Victim Support Group.

The SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang was emotional when she lit the Torch for the start of its journey around Upolu and Savaii.

She handed the torch to Reverend Latu Latai who was the first torch bearer who in turn handed it over to the Minister of Women, Community & Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o then the torch was passed through for its symbolic journey.

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Executive, Reverend Elder Tunu Moso (Deputy Chairman) Reverend Dr. Taipisia Leilua (Secretary) & Reverend Esera Auatama (Chairman) as torch bearers.

Significantly, the Executive of the Congregational Christian Church came out in full with the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and General Secretary carrying the torch to the next bearers.

Some of the torch bearers include the Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Fire & Emergency Services Authority (FESA), Diplomatic representatives, Bank officials before it reached Moata’a village where the primary school children awaited the torch with eagerness.

UNDP Resident representative Aliona Nucilita handing the torch to the Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo.

The Torch of Peace and the runners rested at Lalomauga village last night before the start of Day 2 heading eastwards to Matatufu village to rest for the night. The journey will continue around Upolu Island then the torch leaves for Savaii on Friday 3 November where it will travel around the island for a week before returning to Apia on Friday 10 November.