Government ponders a women-friendly legislature
As many of the Pacific Islands, the Independent State of Samoa does not count with many women working in Parliament. In fact women have a subordinate role to men, and are expected to stay home and raise their children, and they do not usually participate in politics. Prime Minister Tuilaepa is now going to propose an amendment that will try to increase the number of women running for office, because he believes that, even though Samoa has a tradition of not having many women in politics, there is a real need for women to fulfill their political ambitions. Women will be able to speak and participate in politics, and therefore this will benefit democracy. At the same time, it will also set an example for all the other Pacific Islands in creating a representative balance between men and women.
Justice minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, one of only two women in Samoa’s 49-member Parliament
As a woman, I understand that Samoa needs a serious reform in its legislature that will let women access easily to politics. But policies that impose a determinate number of women are, in my opinion, not beneficial because seats end up being occupied by gender and not for merit. It is important, both for women and the country, that women in power are there because they have the skills and are able to take decisions in order to benefit their country. That is why I think that Samoa needs to think carefully if an amendment is the best way to encourage women to participate in politics. In that sense, probably the best way could be to educate new generations in gender equality.
I could not agree more. The presence of women in politics is surely needed and even more in a state where it's not easily for women to access to politics.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, as you pointed out, the incorporation of women to the political life has to start with education of the younger generations and then permit the access to the education for the political life in which women perform a relevant role.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Clara in the idea that the creation of this amendment could end up in the occupation of seats by gender and not by merit. However, in my opinion, it is at least one step closer to equality of women and men in Samoa or at least the start of it. The solution that Clara proposes, to educate the new generations is obviously the most adecuate approach to solve the matter but it is also a slow process that needs a deep change in education, culture etc. In the long term it is the best solution but I think the amendment could possibly have very positive consequences for the country and for the relevance of women in Samoa.
ReplyDelete