UN Trust Fund Portfolio Manager Witnesses SVSG’s Grassroots Work Firsthand

Apia, Samoa – 11 August 2026 – The Asia and Pacific Portfolio Manager for the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, witness firsthand the grassroots work being carried out by SVSG to support women, children and survivors of Gender-Based Violence during her two-day monitoring visit to Samoa on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 August 2026.

The visit was an important opportunity for Ms Dalmier to see directly how the UN Trust Fund-supported project is being implemented on the ground.

During her visit, Ms Dalmier met with the SVSG Project Team, led by SVSG Board Chairperson, Maposua Tanya Toailoa, as well as SVSG’s key implementing partners, including the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (MJCA) and the Ministry of Police & Prisons (MOPP).

These engagements provided an opportunity to discuss the progress of the project, the partnerships supporting its implementation, and the importance of ensuring that services reach those who need them most.

A key highlight of the visit was Ms Dalmier’s attendance at a community workshop in the Anoamaa 2 Constituency, where she was able to observe in person SVSG’s community-level work and engagement with families and communities.

The visit demonstrated the importance of taking services and awareness directly to communities and ensuring that the voices and needs of those affected by violence remain at the centre of the work.

Ms Dalmier also had the opportunity to meet with some beneficiaries who have accessed SVSG’s services, hearing directly about their experiences and how the support provided has assisted them in moving forward.

These personal experiences provided an important insight into the real impact of the project and the difference that accessible support services can make in the lives of survivors and vulnerable women.

SVSG Board Chairperson Maposua Tanya Toailoa expressed her appreciation for the visit and the ongoing partnership with the UN Trust Fund.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Ms Fiona Dalmier and the United Nations Trust Fund to Samoa. Her visit is an opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact this partnership has had on the lives of vulnerable women, children and families.

“The establishment of Samoa’s first Community Law Centre is a significant milestone in ensuring survivors have access to free legal services and justice.

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Anoamaa 2 Fono Fa’avae committee and the villages of Luatuanu’u and Leusoali’i for hosting the traditional ‘Ava Ceremony and for their unwavering commitment to protecting families and strengthening community responses to violence,” said Toailoa.

SVSG sincerely acknowledges and appreciates the continued support of the United Nations Trust Fund in strengthening Samoa’s response to Gender-Based Violence. The partnership continues to support efforts to improve access to services, empower women and survivors, strengthen community responses, and contribute towards safer families and communities across Samoa.