9.2.7 Non-government organisations 9.2.7.1 The role of non-government organisations NGOs arise to address a perceived social need, area of suffering or to advocate on behalf of a particular group who may not otherwise have a voice. Often they address gaps left by the Government, or work to improve services provided by the State to meet acceptable standards. In Samoa, as in most countries globally, there are a range of NGOs working across many different disciplines for a variety of causes. However there is not, and has not been for some time, an active and effective women’s rights organization.115 There are two possible reasons for this – the first is that there is no need for such an organization in Samoa and yet evidence provided proves that this is a serious need for women. The second is that patriarchy and acceptance of family violence are so strong across society that such an NGO has never had the necessary support to get off the ground. Despite the unfortunate lack of established and effective women’s rights NGO, there are many other organisations carrying out admirable work in Samoa in relation to family violence with little funds and little recognition. Inquiry Info Point 16: Key Family Violence NGOs116 Adventist Development and Relief Agency: was set up by the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Samoa to provide rapid emergency response following natural disasters and to those in need. Faataua Le Ola: a counselling organization for people considering suicide. In addition to face to face counselling they run a 24 hour hotline and undertake awareness and outreach in schools, churches, villages communities and the prisons. Men Against Violence Advocacy Group:117 initiative of the Division for Women to engage men and boys to advocate and combat all forms of gender based violence. Samoa National Youth Council: focal organization for all youth related activities in Samoa and has regular forums with its members to discuss youth issues. Their organizational goals are to encourage responsible youth citizenship and enhance youth development for the social, economic and political stability of Samoa. Samoa National Council of Women: the Council’s traditional mandate is to support the Village Fono governance and decision making. In recent years they 115 A new NGO called Toomaga o Aiga is reported to have been established within the past year with the support of MWCSD but the Inquiry was unable to obtain contact details of any person involved and they did not make any submission, written or orally. 116 The following list is of the prominent NGOs working on family violence issues. It is a non-exhaustive and there are many other actors working in this field whose work the Inquiry acknowledges. 117 This organization has not been active for several years.