Along with the Pacific Islands Chief of Police Conference which is meeting here next week, American Samoa is also hosting the Womens Advisory Network or WAN Chairs Meeting,
This is happening August 19-21 at the Tradewinds Hotel,
The Chair of WAN, Superintendent Efo Moalele of the Samoa Police Service says, “Together we will continue to support and enhance the contributions of women in policing within the Pacific regon to empower women in policing and to be valued and recognized as essential to the safety and security fo our Pacific communities.”
Taking over as chair at the 2019-2020 meeting is Officer Vaivasa Wells of the American Samoa Department of Public Safety.
She is a graduate of the 2011 Police Academy and now working as a detective with the Criminal Investigations tDivision.
She says her main focus is to address issues facing women in the work place such as fairness and promotions.
“Over the years, women have faced many obstacles and barriers to overcome discrimination and receive the same opportunities available to men,” said Wells.
“Although we have narrowed the gap, women still have yet to gain the same respect as men in the workplace.”
She would like to draw attention to this, discuss solutions and help eradicate the stereotype that women are seen by men as weak.
And her message to female colleagues in the force: Ladies when you hit rock bottom, pick yourself uip and continue fighting.
