Ministry of Women Staff Prepare for Transition & Management Change

Apia, SAMOA – 20 May 2026 – Staff of the Ministry of Women and Social Development gathered today for the inaugural Change Management Session as preparations continue for the transition into the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs (MFSA) and the institution of the District Development Authority (DDA). The changes also include the transfer of printing services to the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The first two changes were part of the FAST Governments manifesto for the Ministry of Family Affairs dedicated to cater for women and family issues as well as youth and the disabled. The change includes the establishment of a dedicated authority to look after the District Development Project with an annual budget of $102M and will take effect when the 2026/2027 budget is passed in June.

The session, co-facilitated by HR consultants and Tautua Programme staff, forms part of the Ministry’s wider Capability Framework and organisational strengthening work undertaken over the past two years.

CEO and Management of the Ministry of Women & Social Development with HR consultants and Tautua Program Staff.

Held in green to acknowledge World Environment Week and the International Human Resource Day, the session created an open space for dialogue, reflection, questions and staff support during this important period of transition.

Through interactive activities and a Fireside Chat with CEO Loau Donina Vaa and Management, staff openly shared their thoughts and feelings around the upcoming changes.

Responses reflected both hope and honesty with words such as “excited,” “grateful,” and “new opportunities,” alongside “uncertain,” “confused,” and “worried” highlighting the very real human side of organisational change.

Many staff welcomed the opportunity to better understand the rationale behind the transition, future structures and pathways ahead.

Also attending was the Secretary of the Samoa Public Service Commission, Aootumua Kolone Tikeri, who shared reflections on PSC’s role in supporting public sector transitions and the importance of staff wellbeing, communication and capability strengthening during times of change.

These Change Management Sessions form part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to support staff throughout the transition journey with several more sessions planned throughout June.

In closing, CEO Loau Nina Va’a reminded staff: “Strong foundations are built from within through faith, integrity, humility and good intention. And when our intentions are right, they open the way for light, growth, understanding and hope, even during times of change.”