greater barrier is the prevailing attitude that men are the ultimate decision makers. Continuing efforts are required to encourage more female candidates whilst at the same time addressing the cultural and attitudinal barriers which persist in keeping female representation at inadequately low levels. 13.5.3 Church Justification for the exclusion of women from decision-making roles is based more on religious rather than cultural grounds.24 It is important that attention be given to any arbitrary obstacles that precludes women from decision-making roles. Furthermore, the church should take positive steps to ensure those from different income groups are represented in decision making processes, to ensure financial burdens are not increased by decisions solely being made by those in the higher income brackets and to the detriment of others. 13.5.4 Other Specific Groups It is not just women who are systematically obstructed from decision making processes; rather it is solely kept the preserve of men at the expense of all other groups. This has the same impact on other groups as it does on women. It removes their interests from the process meaning that decisions will not take into account their needs or experiences and in the context of family violence afford no protection or prevention. At every stage of considering greater female participation in the Village Fono, Parliament and Churches, consideration should also be given to the direct inclusion (or views, at a minimum) of other interest groups including, but not limited to:      Children; Persons with disabilities; Fa’afafine; Elder persons; SOGISC persons. RECOMMENDATION 11: Take necessary measures to remove barriers affecting the participation of women and other groups in the Village Fono, Parliament and Churches. • 24 Village Fono to include in by-laws:25 a) Provisions requiring the Village Fono to formally consult with the Sui Tamaitai o Nuu and the Faletua ma Tausi on the formulation and provisions of Village Fono policy and by-laws; b) Provision that the president of the village women’s committee and/or the women’s representative may directly National University of Samoa. (2015). “Political representation and women’s empowerment in Samoa.” Final Report 1. Retrieved from http://samoanstudies.ws/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Centre-for-Samoan-Studies_Final-Report-Volume-1English.pdf. Document 63 Inquiry anthology. 25 A similar recommendation was made by the Samoa Law Reform Commission in its submission to the Inquiry. See Document 38 Inquiry anthology.