The call is to develop an understanding of the Bible within the context of Samoa and drawing upon our understanding of family violence, the causes and impacts. RECOMMENDATION 10: Develop a public theology on family violence, which addresses Biblical misinterpretations that reinforce gender inequality and violence.   Church led initiative in widespread consultation with experts in the field of family violence, victims, perpetrators, youth, and all major demographics in Samoan society, especially at a grass roots level. Emphasis on identifying ways in which Biblical teachings can be used to help lift the veil of silence around family violence. 13.5 Participation in decision making INQUIRY FINDING 21: Women (and other specific groups) are systemically obstructed in their participation in the Village Fono, Parliament and Church, further entrenching the patriarchal system and jeopardising the success of any attempt to address family violence through not taking due consideration of the voices of those most directly affected. Not only is the minimal participation of women in decision making in the three most influential bodies in Samoa discriminatory and a violation of human rights, it is also contrary to the essence of Fa’asamoa. 13.5.1 Village Fono It was often relayed to the Inquiry that it is not possible to have women sit in council meetings as it would be a breach of the feagaiga, yet this seems to be the only time matai truly concern themselves with the preservation of the vā tapuia. The Inquiry has already found that the feagaiga has diminished and needs restoring. The current approach has failed in that regard so it is now time to open the doors to female participation in village affairs once more. There was a significant amount of support for reform in this area, including from men and perpetrators of violence. “Our culture is hypocritical. The reason we say women do not sit in the Village Fono is due to the covenant and men cracking jokes and talking crazy stuff in the meetings. I support the idea of allowing women in the council. They should scratch the whole idea of the meeting being a place for the men to say funny things they do not want to say in front of their sister. The Village Fono should not be a place for joking. It should be a place for solutions and discussing issues.” Previous perpetrator, Inquiry public hearings