This damning internal assessment highlights how the MWCSD has neither the mandate, nor the resources to effectively address family violence and monitor impact. This shortcoming is widely recognized: “According to research and consultation carried out by the Commission on its CEDAW review, there is an obvious lack of programmes and services to address family violence issues.” Samoa Law Reform Commission Inquiry submission, document 38 The SLRC also found that the very role of MWCSD reinforces the gender stereotypes which are at the heart of family violence. It does this through its mandate, part of which is to promote and facilitate gender specific activities such as fine mat weaving, home economics and the like.72 Despite this lack of commitment from central Government, 73 and gender stereotype-reinforcing mandate, it was clear to the Inquiry that MWCSD undertakes commendable efforts on the insufficient budget they are provided with. Also a number of its civil servants demonstrate a commitment to, and understanding of family violence that is a great asset to Samoa. Initiatives such as their programmes on positive parenting, child safety, social protection and men against violence advocacy 74 demonstrate what can be done on a shoestring but the lack of Governmental support in terms of mandate and budget means that these will only ever be piecemeal and of limited impact. It is nonetheless encouraging and should be acknowledged. 8.2.3 Village Representatives The Sui Tamaitai o Nuu (STN) and Sui o Nuu (SN) are networks of village representatives which are the Government’s main entry point into the villages. MWCSD rely on these representatives to support village mobilization towards prevention and responding to incidents of violence in the village.75 MWCSD reported to the Inquiry that where these representatives have been proactive, significant change has occurred. The potential impact from these networks is substantial. However, it was also clear to the Inquiry that full potential of these networks is far from being realized. Concerns were raised to the Inquiry around the effectiveness of these positions and the need for monitoring and evaluation (M&E). “Village representatives should be doing more by leading awareness raising programmes for families and young couples because that’s why they were chosen in the first place. Every time they attend trainings in Apia but you do not see them done in the village.” Samoa Law Reform Commission Inquiry submission, document 38 72 Samoa Law Reform Commission. (2016). Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women Legislative Compliance Review Final Report. Document 89 Inquiry anthology. 73 The UN CEDAW Committee in response to Samoa’s 4th and 5th Periodic Report on CEDAW also made a similar concluding observation noting the lack of Government support injected into the national machinery for the advancement of women. Retrieved from http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/docs/co/CEDAW-C-WSM-CO-4-5.pdf. 74 MWCSD written submission to the Inquiry. Document 1 Inquiry anthology. 75 MWCSD written submission to the Inquiry. Document 1 Inquiry anthology.