By Staff Writer
The SUNGO electoral review rejection of women MPs taking up 10 per cent of the seats in Parliament has shocked and saddened many who are familiar with the long advocating history for the rights of women by the umbrella body for non-Governmental organisations in Samoa.
Longtime women’s rights advocator, Gatoloai Tili Afamasaga, is one who is in disbelief at the ‘about turn’ response by SUNGO for women to fight their way into Parliament the same as the men candidates.
“I think they have a new administration but, in the time when Roina Vavatau was president, she was a strong advocator for women’s rights,” Gatoloai reacted when asked by Newsline Samoa.
“Certainly, I’m surprised and quite saddened by the decision SUNGO has taken, which they have a right as an independent body to do, but I’m not sure if they have decided to affiliate with the political party in power.”
The unspoken worry for Gatoloai and a host of other prominent opinions reeling from the SUNGO decision, is how it will augur in the future for the unity of the organisation and its membership.
Local solicitor, Maiava Visekota Peteru, is intimately familiar with the SUNGO advocate for women’s rights.
“Whatever reason do you suddenly go against what SUNGO stood for these many years”, Maiava agonized from the clobbering effects of the stark advocating reversal by the organisation.
“How many times have we raised our women’s rights in New York (UN). This is a great shame.
“Quotas are temporary special measures to breakthrough the long inequalities women still face to this day.
“Once 30% is reached it breaks the glass ceiling and will not be needed any longer.”
SUNGO recently circulated a media statement on a submission to the Electoral Commission review of the 2019 Electoral Act and Human Rights provisions currently underway.
The statement highlighted a 10 points submission based on the outcome of a members meeting on 4 June 2022.
Included was support for Samoans living overseas to be allowed to vote in the general elections and to stand as candidates.
Polling under electoral constituencies should be removed as well. SUNGO members believe it should be returned to the old polling arrangement based on traditional districts.
Also suggested for removal are Parliament Standing Orders to free up Members of Parliament to leave a political party to stand as an independent in the House.
The statement did not give full clarifications behind their recommendations.
SUNGO has more than 200 registered membership representing non-Governmental organizations. Those in villages and churches are free to attend as well.
The organization was established in 1997.