Over one thousand local residents, young and old, gathered at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna this past Saturday to take part in the territory’s first ever celebration of the International Day of the Girl (IDG).

It was two years ago that the United Nations declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child “to raise awareness about all issues concerning gender inequality around the world. It’s a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere.”

The event was spearheaded by Moana Purcell and the Women and Sports Commission, under the umbrella of the American Samoa National Olympic Committee (ASNOC), who were assisted by several partners and sponsors.

Women took the lead during the event - from the opening prayer to the hymns, and even the games - it was all about the females.

“On behalf of the ASNOC, fa'afetai tele lava for making ‘International Day of the Girl’ a huge success,” wrote ASNOC president J. Victor Langkilde in an email sent out to all the partners and those who played key roles in making the event possible. “You all have now started this unique and special movement in the organization, but more so in our country.”

He continued, “Seeing our government, private sector, and community women leaders (Saturday) from the many years in the past up until this present day reminds us all of their endless service to Amerika Samoa.  Women are the heart or anchor of the family and take the same special strengths in a family and use them to lead in our society.”

First Lady Cynthia Moliga offered special remarks, followed by comments from Mrs. Pohakalani Mauga, a cancer survivor, who gave special thanks to all the caregivers and said, “if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here today”.

The most moving segment of Saturday’s program was the “Walk to Remember" that, according to Langkilde “was very beautiful and so emotional.”

Families of those who died from cancer, including cancer survivors and those who are battling cancer came together to show their support of the fight against cancer during a walk that included participation from Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga.

Information booths were set up around the field and manned by different government agencies and departments, including non-profit organizations, where participants were able to obtain more information on products and services available.

Exercise and work out sessions were also carried out to promote wellness and get everyone’s blood pumping and ready for a day full of activities.

Youngsters and teens from different sports federations— including the American Samoa Futball Association, the AS Handball Association, Tini Mataali’i’s Karate School, the AS Tennis Association, Kanana Fou, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Sisters United Rugby Club, and students from both public and private high schools and American Samoa Community College— were all present.

Games were held on the field while DJ J-Smooth was spinning upbeat tunes and getting the crowd revved up.

Langkilde wrote, “We look forward to this work together, but suggest that you all continue to meet and discuss more ways to come together with this movement in promoting our women, healthy living, nationalism, and sports.  Your work has been noted with much amazement and optimism by International Olympic Committee (IOC) Official Nicole Girard- Savoy during this recent audit visit.  Your work is also being closely monitored by all in the region and abroad with much excitement.”

He concluded, “May God bless you all for your commitment and sacrifice, with the work you do for our community.  Without you all, none of this would be possible!”

The International Day of the Girl is a movement that is considered a ‘worldwide revolution’.

Saturday’s event included the participation of different ethnic groups—the  Filipino, Fijian, and Tongan communities were all involved.

According to the UN Resolution which birthed the IDG celebration, “Empowerment of and investment in girls are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and in promoting and protecting the full and effective enjoyment of their human rights.”

dayofthegirl.org says, “We want ourselves, and girls everywhere, to be seen as equals in the eyes of others, and in our own eyes.”