Gender equality researcher Dr Mema Motusaga is the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development.
Dr Motusaga’s appointment was announced by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa during a press conference with the media today.
The Prime Minister said Dr Motusaga worked with the Pacific Community, formerly the South Pacific Commission, an international development organisation governed by 27 members, including 22 Pacific island countries and territories. It is a principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947.
She also worked at the National University of Samoa as well as the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development.
The Prime Minister said Cabinet is confident in Dr Motusaga’s ability to carry out the mandates of the Ministry and duties of the CEO.
Dr. Motusaga, who advocates for women’s equality and was born and raised in Samoa and has experience in project management professional with a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD focused in Gender Studies and Community Development from Victoria University, Melbourne Australia, according to her profile on LinkedIn.
She also in the area of youth economic empowerment and gender based violence and also
specialise in translation from English into Samoa.
The Prime Minister pointed out this Ministry has been tasked with the Government’s new projects such as “investment in the Community” furthermore the allocation of the $1 million tala allocated for the 51 constituencies.
Adding this Ministry will be liaising between the Government and the respective Constituencies, including the Village Councils and the youth in general.
The appointment of Dr Motusaga, comes after eight months since the CEO position has been vacant when the former CEO, Afamasaga Faauiga Palepua Mulitalo exited the Ministry after the variation made to her contract was not endorsed.
