L&L Platform

The Lemanu & La’apui administration is unwavering in its commitment to the people of American Samoa, particularly through empowering women and promoting gender equality. They strongly believe in equal opportunity for all and providing services that enhance the entire community's well-being.

Women Empowerment Society Initiatives

• Empowering Women Program: This initiative aims to build a local community of women and experts through events like Mother-Daughter Date Night, Women Empowered Women Gathering, Mother's Day Downtown Painting, and a Suicide Prevention Meeting.

• Participation Increase: Programs focusing on women's empowerment, such as Sip & Tip Discussions, Pae ma le Auli, Downtime, HIPA, Elei, Sewing Program, and Tusiga Solo, have attracted 400 additional participants, marking a 28% increase in involvement.

• Entrepreneurship Resources: Developed resources to foster self-reliant, self-sufficient, and independent women entrepreneurs.

• Safe Environment: Provided a safe space for women to express their fears, challenges, and obstacles in a male-dominated society, encouraging them to invest in their mental health and well-being.

• Quarterly Workshops: These workshops raise awareness about human rights for women and girls and provide essential services.

• Strengthened Partnerships: Collaborated with women-led non-profits such as Pae Ma Le Auli and the Women Coalition of American Samoa, offering a venue for their meetings and sponsoring quarterly leadership meetings.

• International Women’s Day (IWD) Celebrations: Joined global campaigns to celebrate women's achievements with events like IWD dinners, luncheons, sports gatherings, and spiritual services.

• Manu’a IWD Celebration: On March 26, 2024, at the Tu’umumusu Loimata o le Alofa Church Hall in Faleasao, Manu’a, a luncheon was attended by 26 women and 8 youth members, featuring a powerful inspirational message by guest speaker Faafouina Autele.

Programs for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Offered free programs to empower women and girls to regain control over their lives by learning office skills and trades. Courses include sewing, beginner computer classes, piano courses, poetry writing and performance, nutritional meal prep, elei, flower arrangements, mat weaving, arts and crafts, and a semi-annual fashion show.

Governor’s Wellness Initiative

• Health & Wellness Programs: Increased women-led health and wellness programs to decrease obesity and promote healthier lifestyles, including Taebo Defense, 684 Xtreme-Hip Hop American Samoa, Polynesian Dancing, Pilates, Zumba, SivaOri Fitness, Jujitsu classes, Ola Malosi Fit, Power Up, badminton, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and flag football.

• Annual Heart Month: A village outreach program to raise awareness of heart disease, featuring women-led discussions on personal hygiene and care, exercise activities, and a Valentine's Day Dance.

Community Engagement

Partners Community Fair: Brings together non-profit organizations, private businesses, government departments, and agencies to support persons with gender nonconforming issues, race or ethnicity concerns, and victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

• • 16 Days of Activism: Women members of the administration supported this international campaign to eliminate gender-based violence.

Women's Outreach Program:

• Sewing Training: Provided sewing training to interested women, culminating in a fashion show to showcase their work.

• Flower Arrangement Course: Taught women how to create flower arrangements using locally grown flowers, promoting sustainability and creativity.

• Handicraft and Culinary Classes: Imparted knowledge in various handicrafts and culinary skills, emphasizing health and safety standards in kitchen areas.

Women in Sports

• Event and Recognition: Organized an event to acknowledge fellowship recipients and bring together influential leaders dedicated to advancing gender equality in sports. Discussions and networking opportunities aimed to create a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape.

Collaboration with the Pacific Community

IWD 2024 National Campaign: Signed an agreement with the Pacific Community to focus on networking, women's leadership, and participation in sports and entrepreneurship in fashion, supported by AUD$9000 for various events.

Government Representation

Governor’s Cabinet: Women comprise 41% of the Governor’s cabinet, reflecting the administration’s commitment to capacity, capability, and workplace equity.

Closing Statement

The Lemanu & La’apui administration’s dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality in American Samoa is evident through its comprehensive programs and initiatives. The administration is creating a more inclusive and equitable society by fostering an equal opportunity environment, supporting women's mental and physical well-being, and enhancing community engagement. The substantial representation of women in leadership roles within the government further underscores this commitment, ensuring that women's voices and contributions continue to drive progress and positive change in American Samoa.