FAIVA Manaia

FAIVA Manaia FAIVA Manaia is a fa’afafine and tama’ita’i led alliance.

Mandated to advance SOGIE communities and individuals by providing technical support, capacity building and research to address social and economic development gaps in realizing Gender Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion as well as Human Rights for all.

22/05/2026

FAIVA Manaia had the privilege of taking a seat at the table for the Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusive and Resilient Communities in Samoa roundtable hosted by Field Ready.

This was more than a meeting, it was a recognition that the voices of our faafafine, and SOGIE communities belong at the centre of Samoa's disability inclusion and resilience conversations.

Our FAIVA approach is rooted in the application of the Va Tapia as the foundation for the realization of Equity for all with the understanding that true inclusion cannot be imported. It must be woven from the fabric of our own culture, our own language, and our own ways of being.

FAIVA Programme Officer Molly Moli Elisara shared our vision at the roundtable that disability inclusion, gender justice, and climate resilience are not separate struggles. They are one conversation, and that conversation must honour the wisdom of our communities, our elders, and our most marginalised.

We are deeply grateful to the Field Ready Team and Consultant Ofusina Toamua.

Fa'afetai tele lava, Ofusina for your enabling advocacy to open doors for meaningful conversations and open dialogue on issues that impact us all.

We also thank Field Ready Fiji and every partner organisation present, it was a pleasure to learn from you all.

FAIVA Manaia remains committed to advancing GEDSI through Samoan lens and the unwavering belief that no one should be left behind. This is the Samoan way.




Congratulations to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa for the successful completion of the 2026 Env...
22/05/2026

Congratulations to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa for the successful completion of the 2026 Environment Week with the official launch of the "Tu'utu'u la'au fa'amanuiti" Samoa Environment YOUTH Engagement Framework 2026 -2029.

A significant milestone for the Environment Sector formalising on paper and in action the meaningful engagement of young people in building a resilient nation with a built and natural environment for generations to enjoy and care for.

FAIVA is privileged to be a member of the Environment YOUTH National Reference Group "Lupemua" a mechanism led by young people of all diversities to not only support the development of the Framework but lead in its implementation with the guidance and mentoring by the Ministry.

Receiving this Recognition from the Ministry is a real honour. Fa'afetai Chief Executive Officer Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena for enabling a platform for young people that includes the voices and experiences of fa'afafine communities. The fact remains, disasters, climate change and environmental challenges does not discriminate. It affects us all regardless of s*x, gender, disability or capacity.

We also acknowledge the MNRE Youth Focal Points the Climate Change Division champs Bernie, Peta, Filoi & Fimareti (Hans Chris Lima etc). Many may never know the weight you carry behind the seen, but we see you. Malo faafetai !

The journey continues.....but for now....what an amazing start !





The “Tuutuu La’au Faamanuiti” Samoa Environment Youth Engagement Framework has officially completed its Validation Works...
21/04/2026

The “Tuutuu La’au Faamanuiti” Samoa Environment Youth Engagement Framework has officially completed its Validation Workshop on April 16, 2026, marking a powerful step forward for youth voices in Samoa.

From Upolu to Savai’i, Manono to Apolima, young people have spoken and their ideas, experiences, and aspirations are now shaping a framework designed for them and by them. This is more than a document it’s a commitment to ensure youth are actively involved in protecting our environment and driving sustainable development.

Through strong collaboration between MNRE, youth representatives, and partners, we are seeing the foundation of a future where young people are not just participants but leaders.

As we look ahead to the official launch during Environment Week 2026, the journey continues from planning into real action.

Our environment. Our future. Our voice.
🌿

Having a seat at the table facilitates the inclusion of our perspective as fa'afafine in key development issues affectin...
01/04/2026

Having a seat at the table facilitates the inclusion of our perspective as fa'afafine in key development issues affecting our every day lives. Environmental challenges and the impacts of Climate Change does not discriminate and affects everyone. However, limitations placed upon vulnerable population escalates our risk and vulnerability which can only be addressed if it is voiced through our lived realities and perspectives.

Its a privilege for FAIVA to be a member of the Samoa Environment Youth National Reference Group SEY-NRG coordinated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MNRE. An inclusive mechanism to drive meaningful youth engagement in the Environment Sector by formalising youth participation and contributions.

Ms Keyonce Lee Hang who co led the FAIVA Manaia RESILIENCE: Vivili Faamanu o Matagi Capacity Building Initiative participated in the SEY-NRG Induction Workshop and Consultations.

We look forward to the exciting work ahead !




01/04/2026

Development of the Youth Engagement Framework for the Environment Sector is informed by the voices of young people across Samoa at the front line of the climate crisis.

Impacts of Climate Change affect men, women, Persons with Disability and gender diverse population differently.

Creating safe spaces for open dialogue on lived experiences of young people is fundamental.



01/04/2026

FAIVA Manaia is proud to share space with youth across Samoa in the the Youth Environment Reference Group under the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

Inclusivity is essential for climate action and environmental protection that leaves no one behind




The UN's 80th anniversary emphasizes reinforcing the foundations of international cooperation to meet modern challenges ...
24/10/2025

The UN's 80th anniversary emphasizes reinforcing the foundations of international cooperation to meet modern challenges by strengthening the rights and opportunities for village women and girls and vulnerable population, which is essential for achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as well as addressing priority needs of diverse communities.

While rural women and girls make up 25% of the world's population, they face higher rates of poverty and exclusion. Around 80% of Samoa's total female population live in rural areas.

The 2025 theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment" reinforces the call for strengthen support for village women to lead development within their own families,communities and churches. Enabling access to the right tools to support this leading role is fundamental.

Rural women are critical to building climate resilience and managing natural resources, yet they are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Vivili Faamanu o Matagi is addressing this gap, so women elevate their capacity to play their critical role in society and rural communities.

We acknowledge with gratitude the opportunity to participate in the UN Celebration through the support of the UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue GEF SGP and in collaboration with Vaimauga 1 District Council.




UNDP GEF-SGP in partnership with DFAT and MNRE hosted its CALL FOR PROPOSALS Upolu Outreach Workshop today at TATTE Conv...
12/09/2025

UNDP GEF-SGP in partnership with DFAT and MNRE hosted its CALL FOR PROPOSALS Upolu Outreach Workshop today at TATTE Convention Centre.

FAIVA Manaia was invited as one of the success stories of the previous Grant Cycle with its Climate Resilience: Vivili fa'a manu o Matagi Capacity Development initiative, promoting the leadership of Village Women in building the capacity of communities to adapt and respond to the impacts of Climate Change.

This FAIVA initiative was implemented in partnership with the VAIMAUGA 1 District Council targeting its highly vulnerable coastal villages of Fagalii, Vailele, Letogo & Laulii through its traditional women's governance structures "Saofaiga Faletua ma Tausi, Saoao ma le Aoaluma"

This Project was implemented from December 2022 to December 2024 and we aspire with available resources to roll it out to other districts through the District Development Programme mechanism for community led and driven development.

We wish to acknowledge the UNDP GEF SPG le Afioga ia Lilomiava Fifilia Iosefa and Team for the invitation and believing in FAIVA Manaia. Soft Solutions to building resilience with the leadership of rural women and gender diverse population is often overlooked. The success of this humble initiative reflects the wealth of resources, skills and capacity within communities to lead and sustain their own developments with targeted support and technical assistance to amplify their existing strengths, systems and priorities.

Delivering the FAIVA presentations was Programme Coordinator Audrey Andrew Taofi Mapuilesua and Programme Officer Molly Moli Elisara.

UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue
GEF Small Grants Programme Samoa
Australian High Commission, Samoa
Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment





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