13/07/2025
Strengthening Inclusive Action: SFHA Champions GEDSI in SRHR Programming 🇼🇸
Last week, the Samoa Family Health Association (SFHA) took a bold step forward in strengthening inclusive practices by conducting a dedicated workshop and training focused on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). 🙌
Over several days, our team engaged in meaningful dialogue and capacity building to deepen our understanding of what it means to design inclusive, empowering, and responsive programs and workplaces regardless of gender, disability, or background. 🫶
To conclude the week, SFHA proudly hosted a one-day consultation with key stakeholders and partners.
The purpose of this consultation was to collaboratively identify the challenges, opportunities, and practical strategies for promoting equitable and inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services in Samoa.
It was a highly productive session, providing an important space to explore how GEDSI can be meaningfully embedded not only within each organization’s mandate but also in ways that respond to Samoa’s unique cultural and social context.
As a result of the discussions, participants collectively agreed that strengthening GEDSI in SRHR requires:
• Treating everyone with equal respect and dignity,
• Promoting inclusive values within families to build a strong foundation for community-wide change, and
• Designing programs that are intentional, responsive, and grounded in human rights principles.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of aligning all initiatives with GEDSI principles to ensure that no one is left behind. This alignment is essential for achieving more just, equitable, and inclusive health outcomes for all Samoans.
SFHA extends its gratitude to all our partners and stakeholders for their active engagement, insights, and ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive Samoa. 🙌
Supported by Pacific Women Lead at SPC and the Australian and New Zealand Governments.
AADRA SamoaMMinistry of Health SamoaSSVSG SamoaSamoa Faafafine Association Incorporated
