Attitudes Need to Change on Women in Technical Vocations

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 11 March 2024: There needs to be a change of attitudes towards women taking up Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and traditional university education.

Speaking at the a special forum organised by the Australian Pacific Trade Coalition (APTC) and TVET in celebration of International Womens Day last Friday, the Minister of Justice Matamua Vasati Pulufana said often, people seem to have a low perception when it comes to vocational education compared to the university courses.

Matamua, one of the three women in Cabinet said “TVET is sometimes seen as less prestigious than the traditional university education and the Australian Pacific Trade Coalition (APTC) and TVET was a perfect platform to raise awareness about the incredible benefits of TVET,” she said.

Several schools participated in the event and Matamua took advantage to encourage students to invest not only to take up university studies but also vocational opportunities.

The Minister of Justice Matamua Vasati Pulufana (far right) with the Australian Government representative, Ariana Stevenson and students from Pesega college.

Matamua emphasized Governments vision that sees TVET as one of the pillars of the Education Sector Plan to equip especially the youth and those who have left school early with the practical skills needed to succeed.

“By fostering a skilled workforce, we directly address the challenges of unemployment and unlock the potential for increased national productivity,” said Matamua.

She acknowledged the Government of Australia for the  partnership and support and APTC valuable contribution  and an instrumental avenue in providing Samoans with high-quality TVET opportunities, and such partnership empowers Samoans  especially women  to enter and excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.

“To the female students attending the forum, seize the opportunity and actively engage in discussions, knowledge sharing and networking with the key presenters and its APTC partners,” she said.

In celebration of the International Women’s Day, the Forum’s key presenters were all women that included Gatoloaifaana Dr.Tilianamua Afamasaga – Public Service Commissioner; Silaulii Patu Tilialo, Contract Engineer for Climate Resillient & Infrastructure with the Land Transport Authority; Papalii Monalisa Tiai Keti, Deputy Police Commissioner; Namulauulu Irasa Mauala, ACEO Urban Operation  & Maintenance Samoa Water Authority; Serafina Lesa, Graduate Engineer with the Electric Power Corporation and Kathy Siaosi Asi Commander Samoa Fire & Emergency Services Authority.

Wesley College students wanting to know more about the APTC program.

There were other separate events held to commemorate the International Women’s Day hosted by the Ministry for Women Social Development & Community and the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment Waste Fashion event hosted at the Taumeasina Island Resort.