In his statements in Samoa News, on KHJ Radio, and email correspondence, Mr. Pa'u Roy Ausage has demonstrated an ignorance of women's issues, particularly of domestic violence. He has repeatedly implied that it is the role of a woman to look good for her husband. He asserts that the effects of a woman "letting herself go" include the husband's eyes beginning to wander. Mr. Ausage's comments imply that it is a woman's fault if she is abused. 

This is unacceptable. While Mr. Ausage does not intend to insult women, he has repeatedly done so in his ignorance of women's rights and responsibilities. He has proven that he is not fit to lead a department that was established to support and empower women. His views are antiquated. 

We demand that Mr. Ausage be removed from his position as acting director of the DYWA and reassigned within the government to a position in which he cannot impose his out-dated views of the roles of women on our people.