Apia, Samoa – As the Samoa Victim Support Group’s Torch of Peace makes its way around Samoa this week, and as we head into the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence at the end of the month, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is privileged to support both events through the Spotlight Initiative.

This collaboration with national partners, especially with Civil Society Organisations, is at the core of the work of UNDP, which was central in the Gender Equality Seal gold certification the office received at the end of last month.

The UNDP Multi-Country Office in Samoa was recognised for its work in advancing gender equality in the countries that it serves – Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau.

The gold is the highest level of certification under the UNDP Gender Equality Seal, a corporate standard for gender equality that organizations can qualify for and be benchmarked against to receive certification in accordance with best practices on gender equality inside an organisation.

“This award, and the work we do with national partners for gender equality, is a testament to the convening role of UNDP in bringing together CSOs that champion women’s empowerment and movement building towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative. “For Samoa, the journey continues as much work still remains to be done as we strive to ensure we are making a positive impact in the lives of the women, girls, men, boys and diverse groups and ensuring we do not leave anyone behind.”  

One of the Samoa MCO’s key strengths in this gender equality seal process, was its ability to engage partners using a contextualized approach, rooted in the cultural values of consultation, participation, reciprocity, compassion, and love.