Samoa's 5th annual GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) conference comes to a close this morning and as they go back to their villages they have been challenged to think about their own development as leaders.

72 lucky Year 7 and 8 girls from Savai'i, Upolu and Manono came together at Papauta College for the five day conference which started on Tuesday.  The girls heard from speakers on issues related to career development, health, nutrition and domestic violence awareness.

Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson from Conservation International was one of the speakers at GLOW and discussed the environment in the girls world.

"The GLOW conference improves from year to year and this year brought together some amazing, intelligent young girls from Savaii and Upolu. I was exactly like one of those girls having grown up in Savaii and gone to StTheresas Primary School, so I have a great appreciation for the type of exposure these programmes give young girls.

We need to invest more time and efforts into motivating young people to care for our environment and to empower them to make the right decisions in life. Each sentiment counts, as such this is one of my favourite voluntary efforts each year, because I know the returns will be amazing in years to come."  Lagipoiva said of the conference.

Domestic Violence Awareness was another topic covered during the conference and featured lectures from Tracey Mikaele (Human Rights Institute), Jordanna Mareko, Nora Warren (MWCSD) and Cherelle Fruean (UN Women). The girls were able to take a self-defense class from Maria Sua (Judo instructor) before closing the day with a star-weaving workshop with Soul Weavers for A Million Stars to End Violence.

Cherelle Fruean who spoke on this day said of her experience "Today I had the privilege of speaking at my first ever GLOW (Girls leading our World) Conference. I ran a little activity where the girls split up into groups and acted out little skits based on '16 ways to end violence against women and girls'. I was overwhelmed by the talent and also taken back by the rawness of the storytelling. At the end of each skit, the girls portrayed healthy ways in which we can prevent and end violence within our families and communities. I am so proud of these girls! They give me so much hope for the future of our young women. Thank you Glow Samoa for having me, it was a true honor and I feel very blessed to have been part of such an amazing initiative!

GLOW is developed and facilitated by Peace Corps Volunteers in collaboration with Peace Corps staff and GLOW partners at UN Women and USP.

To find out more check out their Facebook page or email them at samoaglow@gmail.com

 

Suggested Links:

Brown Girls - Aaradhna  

Why are island parents so strict on Girls?