The matai system and women in politics
Source: Samoa Observer
The Speaker of the House Papalii Lio Masipau made a bold statement about why he thinks gender inequality exists in politics. He views the matai system and customs as prohibiting women from traditional governance impacting their chances to run for office.
Papalii just returned from touring the parliament in New South Wales, Australia. It was an eye-opening experience for him to see more women involved in politics and at a policy level. He must have thought hard before making this bold statement.
He may not be off the target. He is right in saying that the village setting is proving to be a difficult hurdle faced by women wanting to enter the political arena.
“Our matai system should treat women equally as men so that we don’t need to have the 10 per cent requirement…there is no equality in our matai system and some village setups don’t allow our mothers to participate or sit in village councils,” Papalii said.
According to the Speaker, the Legislative Assembly is made up of 51 representatives from the districts and the reason for extra seats is to meet gender equality in the House.
He added the constitutional requirement to have 10 per cent women representation in the House would not be needed if mothers were treated equally within villages.
Read here the full article published by Samoa Observer on 22 July 2024.
Image by Samoa Observer
The Speaker of the House Papalii Lio Masipau made a bold statement about why he thinks gender inequality exists in politics. He views the matai system and customs as prohibiting women from traditional governance impacting their chances to run for office.
Papalii just returned from touring the parliament in New South Wales, Australia. It was an eye-opening experience for him to see more women involved in politics and at a policy level. He must have thought hard before making this bold statement.
He may not be off the target. He is right in saying that the village setting is proving to be a difficult hurdle faced by women wanting to enter the political arena.
“Our matai system should treat women equally as men so that we don’t need to have the 10 per cent requirement…there is no equality in our matai system and some village setups don’t allow our mothers to participate or sit in village councils,” Papalii said.
According to the Speaker, the Legislative Assembly is made up of 51 representatives from the districts and the reason for extra seats is to meet gender equality in the House.
He added the constitutional requirement to have 10 per cent women representation in the House would not be needed if mothers were treated equally within villages.
Read here the full article published by Samoa Observer on 22 July 2024.
Image by Samoa Observer