Climate change threatens the way of life for everyone in Samoa.
Made up of nine volcanic islands – four of which are inhabited – Samoa is fighting back against the impacts of climate disasters and poverty. Cyclones, floods and dangerously rising sea levels affect families and communities on a regular basis.
CARE began working with local partners in Samoa in 2020, in response to COVID-19, partnering with Samoan Red Cross Society, Women in Business Development Inc. (WIBDI) and Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA) – the national organisation for people with disabilities – to distribute hygiene kits and education materials, and install hand-washing stations to help stop the spread of the virus.
We have continued to support programs that promote economic justice for women, that strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change, and that ensure that disaster response work appropriately meets the needs of women and girls.
From diversifying food production and income, to managing water and natural resources more effectively, to caring for livestock in a climate-resilient way, women are equipping themselves with the essential tools and knowledge to lift their families and their communities out of poverty.
Fast Facts
Population: 216,663
Female life expectancy: 73.7 years
Male life expectancy: 69.9 years
Infant mortality: 13 deaths
Under-5 mortality*: 15.7 deaths
Maternal mortality: 101 deaths
Access to drinking water: 99.9%
Access to improved sanitation: 98%
GDP per capita: $6,300
Sources: CIA World Factbook, *UNICEF, ^World Bank
Investing in women
Silaumua grows, collects, husks and processes coconuts to make virgin coconut oil that provides an income to support her family.
Not long before this, Silaumua and her husband Iakopo lived off one income for years and struggled to provide for their family. Things began to change after she and her friends joined WIBDI’s program which taught them how to produce coconut oil and connected them with a global market for their produce.
“When we first started it was rather difficult. We produced about one barrel in a whole day. But eventually as we got the hang of it and learnt new methods, we can now produce three barrels of coconut oil a day. We are happy with the progress.”
WIBDI supports women to build, grow and maintain their own businesses. From a coconut farm to vegetable garden, the equal access Silaumua now has to resources and the freedom to use them has been life-changing.
CARE is proud to support women like Silaumua through our partner organisations in Samoa.
Empowering people with disabilities in Samoa
CARE Australia has partnered with Women in Business Development Incorporated (WIBDI) since 2019. WIBDI support climate resilient agricultural development, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive employment opportunities across Samoa. Through the ANCP funded Pacific Partnerships for Gender Equality program, CARE supports WIBDI to strengthen disability inclusion throughout their operations. Technical support including GEDSI training and funding to employ staff with disabilities have significantly shifted the culture of the organisation. All staff are learning sign language through weekly lessons, and sign interpreters now attend activities with communities to ensure that deaf community members are included in project activities.
WIBDI’s Director now sees their organisation as a stepping stone for employees with disabilities. Through WIBDI, people with disabilities are formally employed for the first time and learning workplace skills. WIBDI is now looking to support them to connect with other organisations to make use of their unique talents.
Meet Toetu
I am 44 years old and have always wanted to work. I live with my father and sister, and I was born with a paralysed left arm because of complications with my birth. In 2021, I had an amazing opportunity when I joined WIBDI as a field officer. My journey to working with WIBDI was made possible through their partnership with NOLA, of which I was a registered member.
The most significant change in my life unfolded after joining WIBDI. I found a deep sense of joy in coming to work every day. Our staff can attest to my passion for my work and my commitment to doing everything I can to prove that I can work despite my disability. I’m the first to arrive at work every morning. My dedication extends beyond being punctual. I’m always trying to acquire new skills and expertise in the workplace, whether it’s mastering the art of soap and oil production or ensuring that I perform my duties to the best of my ability.
Before starting out on this journey with WIBDI, I was seen by my family as being sick. They believed that my disability would be an obstacle to finding meaningful employment, especially since I was not able to use my paralysed left arm at all. This all changed when I began to work hard and be seen as a useful person to WIBDI. I even began using my left arm for the first time. Today, I can proudly say that I have defied those doubts and misconceptions. Securing this job has brought immense happiness into my life, and I now play a vital role in contributing to our family wellbeing.
My story is testament to the amazing support from WIBDI and NOLA. They have helped me by breaking barriers and supporting me, so that I’ve managed to find purpose in my life and I’ve learned that I do have a bright future, despite all the challenges I’ve had to go through. Through my experiences, I hope to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
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Support our ongoing work to create a more equal world.
Your donation can help end extreme poverty and give people the means to build a better future for themselves in countries like Samoa.
For those living in extreme poverty, your support brings education and training, healthcare and clean water, nutritious food, and new ways to earn an income. And in times of crisis, you help us deliver emergency relief. Please donate today.
