Brown Girl Woke

Our team ❤️

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Maluseu Doris Tulifau, from Samoa, and Yasmine Bjornum, from Vanautu, are actively involved in the regional review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, contributing their expertise and experiences to assess progress and identify ongoing challenges.

As we prepare for the 30th review of the Beijing Declaration, let’s join them in advocating for a gender-equal Pacific!

🔗 Read more about their powerful insights and ongoing efforts

http://unwo.men/QpIc50RXu5B

44th edition of FWCC's flagship Regional Training Program on Gender, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Rights and Development underway in Suva.


Pacific Women Lead

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

- 29th July 2024 -

44th edition of FWCC's flagship Regional Training Program on Gender, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Rights and Development underway in Suva

Starts

42 people in diverse professions and backgrounds from across the region are participants in the 44th edition of the flagship Regional Training Program on Gender, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Rights and Development organised by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre at Yatu Lau Hotel in Suva, Fiji.

The program which is the only one of its kind in the region includes four weeks (29th July to 23rd August 2024) of participatory training with well-equipped resource people from Fiji and the Pacific and is organised by FWCC as the Secretariat of the Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women.

Participants are from civil society and government organisations in Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, PNG, West Papua, Nauru and Fiji.

This program is aimed to enable participants to gain knowledge and skills for better response and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. It is also aimed at providing participants with better skills for counselling on violence against women and girls as well as advocacy and lobbying.

Participants will also discuss and analyse the cause, contributing factors incidence, severity, and trends in violence against women, girls, and children in all their diversity in Pacific societies.

The use of the media, climate change, online violence, reproductive rights, po*******hy, and its impact on violence against women and girls will also be discussed in this year's Regional Training Program.

Participants will also be given the opportunity to share experiences in
their own countries and form regional alliances.

FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says they have come a long way since the first Regional Training Program in 1995 which started with five people from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu to now having an average of 40 participants attending each edition of the program.

She adds it is encouraging to see more and more people working to eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls applying to attend the training.

"This training session has been especially good as we have participants from diverse backgrounds. The diverse range has allowed us over the years to tailor the program to ensure that the training is conducive to the challenges of gender and violence against women, girls and children".

Ali added that the Regional Training Program is highly recommended
throughout the region which is a testament to the quality, strength and capacity of the Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women..

The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre would like to acknowledge our donor -
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Pacific Women Lead at SPC supported by the Australian Government and the Asian Development Bank have also provided scholarships.

The Regional Training Program (RTP) has been ongoing since its inception in 1995. To date, more than 900 women and men from around the region and Fiji have undergone this training. The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre (FWCC) as the Secretariat of the Pacific Women's Network on Violence Against Women conducts the training twice a year. The network consists of more than 20 organisations addressing the issue of violence against women and children in their diverse communities.

Ends

💡DID YOU KNOW? 💡

In the Pacific Islands Forum countries (not including Australia and New Zealand), as of March 2024, there are only 54 women MPs out of 614 MPs altogether who are currently sitting in their national legislatures.

🔎This translates to a mere 8.8% of women in national legislatures, highlighting the urgent need for greater gender parity in political decision-making.

These statistics underscore the pressing challenges faced by Pacific women and the critical importance of advancing gender equality and human rights in the region.

Collaborating with our Pacific feminist allies, we strive to elevate women’s voices in political and leadership spheres to enhance their representation in national decision-making processes.



📕Source: Pacific Women in Politics

Honored and inspired to be among the greats of Pacific feminism! 🌺💪 Sharing space and stories with these incredible women is a reminder of our collective strength and resilience. Together, we continue to push for gender equality and empowerment for all Pacific women.

Let's hear reflections from civil society activists during the 🇲🇭 for Pacific Women, a gathering marking the region’s ongoing pursuit of gender parity. ✊

➡️ http://unwo.men/OFBY50SKHo4

UN Women Pacific I UN in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu & Vanuatu I DIVA for Equality FIJI I Brown Girl Woke

🌟 **Exciting News!** 🌟

Brown Girl Woke is thrilled to announce that 3 of our youth advocates will be joining the **Regional Training Program (RTP) 2024**!

Hosted by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre and the Pacific Women's Network on Violence Against Women, the RTP empowers individuals to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) with a focus on counseling, advocacy, and community awareness.

**What’s in Store:**
- **Duration:** 4 weeks
- **Topics:** GBV trends, legal frameworks, climate change impacts, and practical skills for advocacy and campaigns.

We are incredibly thankful for our sponsors, Pacific-Community-SPC, for their support in making this opportunity possible. Stay tuned for updates on our journey!Stay tuned for updates on our journey!



Jaeden Elizabeth RoAnne Hazelman
Jocelynette Leilua
Georgina Tuala

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https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/stories/news/2024/07/civil-society-reflects-on-gender-equality-commitments

Civil society reflects on gender equality commitments at the 15th Pacific Triennial Conference for Pacific Women Ahead of the SIDS4, a pioneering Gender Equality Forum (GEF) was co-organized by the UN Women Multi-Country Offices (MCOs) in the Caribbean and the Pacific. The forum drew over 200 stakeholders from over 40 countries, all committed to centering gender equality and the empowerment of women in the SID...

15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women and 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women

"During the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women and 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women, government ministers and cso’s ensured the inclusion of education programs addressing gender-based violence (GBV) for primary schools in outcome statement

Here’s a program that we have done at BGW called 'Safety Kids' with St. Vincent de Paul, funded by the Ministry of Women. It’s time to bring it back! ✅"

Reflection from the Past Two Days

“I’ve learned that intergovernmental work often operates in silos, making it difficult for civil society organizations to address the intersectional issues that women face. These silos from the government undermine our efforts when women should have representation and influence in every ministry. Today, I learned that mental health is categorized under the Ministry of Health, while disability falls under the Ministry of Women. This fragmentation highlights the need for a feminist approach that integrates women’s experiences and needs across all sectors. As a civil society organization, we must break down these barriers and foster more inclusive conversations around the cross-cutting issues that affect women, including disability, gender-based violence, climate change and mental health.”

– Founder of Brown Girl Woke

Samoa's Delegation at the 15th triennial conference of pacific women & 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women

We are proud that Minister of Women, Community, and Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, and Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Matamua Seumanu Vasati Sili Pulufana, are leading Samoa's delegation at the 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women. The meeting will commence this Thursday in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Maluseu Doris Tulifau, founder of Brown Girl Woke, is also pictured with the delegation, representing the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in this regional dialogue. We hope this event will mark the beginning of true collaboration between intergovernmental bodies and CSOs, ensuring that we work together effectively rather than in silos.

Let us stand together in support of our leaders as they work towards advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in the Pacific region.

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JOIN US TOMORROW: GENDER RESPONSIVE CLIMATE JUSTICE

Plenary Session 2: Tuesday Jul 23
09:00 - 10:30 AM
International Convention Centre

Speakers:
Anne Rassemeusen – Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources &Environment, Samoa (virtual)
Noelene Nabulivou – DIVA for Equality FIJI, Fiji (virtual)
Dr George Carter – Senior Fellow and Deputy Head of Department of Pacific Affairs, Director ANU Pacific Institute

The 1995 Beijing Platform for Action identified three strategic objectives and multiple actions related to women and the environment:
(1) involve women actively in environmental decision-
making at all levels;
(2) integrate gender concerns and perspectives in policies and programmes for sustainable development, and
(3) strengthen or establish mechanisms at the national, regional, and international levels to assess the impact of development and environmental policies on women.

The PPA and S.A.M.O.A Pathway (2014) also recognise that gender equality and the effective participation of women and indigenous peoples are important for effective action on all aspects of climate change. Adopting these objectives and actions within the ideals of climate justice is mutually reinforcing.

🎤 Young local artist empowering us to write our own stories in Samoan! 📝 Join the movement at their inspiring event.

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Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, as we gather to discuss the critical issue of menstrual hygiene in the Pacific, it is crucial to recognize the broader context in which these challenges unfold. Women in our region face stark realities: they hold the lowest percentage of seats in parliament globally, they experience the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV), and they are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. These intersecting issues underscore the urgent need for systemic change.

At Brown Girl Woke, we have witnessed firsthand how cultural norms and systemic inequalities impact menstrual hygiene practices. In many Pacific cultures, women and girls with all their diversity are taught to prioritize the needs of their family above their own, which often results in a lack of open dialogue about menstruation. Mothers, feeling unequipped or constrained by financial burdens, may hesitate to educate their daughters about menstrual health. Meanwhile, schools often overlook comprehensive menstrual hygiene education, focusing instead on rudimentary cleanup methods.

Furthermore, the economic burden of purchasing menstrual hygiene products further exacerbates inequalities. It is unacceptable that some girls miss out on education simply because they lack access to these essential products. That is why, over the past five years, Brown Girl Woke has distributed over 6,000 pads to girls in need and established sustainable employment through our sewing circles.

But our efforts go beyond distribution. We have developed educational resources, including animation videos in Samoan, to empower schools and communities to teach menstrual hygiene effectively. Education is key to dismantling stigma and empowering girls to value their bodies and health.

Yet, for true change to occur, we must address the root causes. Patriarchy and entrenched gender norms continue to perpetuate inequalities across our societies. Women and girls with all their diversity must be represented at every level of decision-making, from parliament to community leadership, so that menstrual health becomes a priority in policy and practice. When women are in positions of power, policies are more inclusive, responsive, and equitable.

Together, we must challenge patriarchal structures that devalue women's and girls with all their diversities bodies and experiences. We must smash the barriers that prevent open dialogue and perpetuate stigma around menstruation. By prioritizing menstrual hygiene, we affirm the dignity and rights of every girl and woman in all their diversity in the Pacific.

As we advocate for change, let us commit to creating a future where menstrual hygiene is embraced as a natural and essential aspect of health and well-being. Let us work towards a Pacific where every woman and girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity, where gender-based violence is eradicated, and where climate justice includes gender justice.

Thank you.

Maluseu Doris Tulifau
Founder Brown Girl Woke

🌺 Join us at the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women and 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women, "An Pilifün Koba Kömmen Lometo - For A Resilient And Sustainable Pacific"!

📅 Date: July 22-25
📍 Location: Marshall Islands

Let's come together to empower Pacific women and advance gender equality across our islands. Together, we'll forge pathways for resilience and sustainability in our communities.

10 cso gathered together to prepare for meetings and outcome statements thanks to Singh Fiji Women's Rights Movement and reps for cso

ℹ️ Learn more and register: Pacific-Community-SPC

🌸 Join us for an engaging panel discussion hosted by the Pacific Menstrual Health Network! We'll be exploring crucial topics on menstrual health in our region, highlighting efforts, challenges, and the way forward. Our esteemed panel includes:

- Hannah Tamata, Secretariat, Pacific Menstrual Health Network
- Nalini Singh, Executive Director, Fiji Women's Rights Movement
- Doris Tulifau, Founder, Brown Girl Woke
- Sylvia Elias, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF North Pacific Field Office
- Chelsea Huggett, Head of Strategy, WaterAid

Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding and contribute to advancing menstrual health initiatives in the Pacific. See you there! 🩸

Grateful for our partnerships in diaspora especially New Zealand organizations. We will make sure your donation goes to right hands 🙌🏽 ❤️

🌏✨ Gratitude to our incredible facilitators, Jacynta Fa’amau and Okalani Mariner, for guiding us through the inspiring Climate Change Storytelling Workshop! Your dedication and expertise have empowered us to share our voices and stories on this crucial issue.

A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed guest: UNEP, Samoa Conservation, Samoa Red Cross, and Nuanua o le Alofa. Your collaboration and support have been instrumental in ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective efforts this year.

Special appreciation to 350 Pacific for leading us in this impactful workshop. Together, we continue to advocate for climate action and amplify our Pacific voices.



Okalani Mariner 350 Pacific 350 Samoa

Don’t miss out buy your tickets at our office ❤️

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Thee besssst

Congratulations to our Director Tupe Lualua who has been named in the New Years honours list and awarded MNZM - Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to the Arts ✨

Tupe navigates the Arts with a steadfast belief in our creative communities. Fa’afetai Lava Tupe, Mālō Le Tauivi 🌱

Tupe Lualua MNZM
Savaia, Lefaga, Luatuānu’u, Porirua

📸:

New Year Honours list 2024:

https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/new-year-honours-list-2024

Hush Musical and workshop photos Dec 6th , 2023

Co director
Yvette Alaalatoa Griffiths
Valentino Maliko
Doris Tulifau

Cast
Grace Vespa Pauga Greed
Tamiana Olano
Benjamin Lelevaga
Elisapeta Fepuleai
Eseta Corinne Uili
Jasmine Koria
JustEscape95
Daniel J Koria
Jaffa
Nathan Sam Pomare
Abbey Tofamamao Heather
Alofau Rile

Thank you to film/photography crew
David Unoi
Jack Daniel Huch
Eric Ete
Yongkwon Suafa

Staff/ Volunteers
Jocelynette Leilua
Prince Vaa Soi Lalovi
Vineta Pisia
Hairani Mudiliar
Lili-marina Alaalatoa
Star Manu'atele Leilua
sky
Tuioti
Aaone P**a - Keil
tavita

Local youth telling our own stories