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Putting their strength to the test

21 June 2021

Women Challenge Games — Caption: Squatting as an exercise improve balance, coordination, and range of motion. After 12 weeks of the Challenge, doing squats has become just as simple for these women.

Photo: © UN Samoa | Aterina Samasoni

The 12 Weeks Challenge has yielded great results, most importantly the will to continue and influence change.

Women Challenge 1 — Caption: One of the eight teams that competed in the Game Day to end the 12 Weeks Challenge for Women Health & Well being

Photo: © UN Samoa | Aterina Samasoni

Game Day to end the 12 Weeks #ChooseToChallenge for Women Health & Well Being. This is the ultimate test of strength and sheer determination.

"When these women started the Challenge, they could barely lift the weights or even hold the speed to move within a faster pace, but after 12 weeks of the challenge, just watch their stamina and speed, its amazing" Tuiloma Walter Imo - lead trainer of the Challenge.

The Games showed that the 12 weeks challenge had yielded great results for many.

Initiated by UN Resident Coordinator Simona Marinescu, it is her hope that women find time to exercise, stay fit and healthy to improve the quality of their lives.

The challenge aims to be the start of a national movement and the 60 women that have completed this Challenge are determined to continue with the new life schedule, the new pattern of eating and most importantly influencing their spouses, children, families and communities to think and live - good health ( exercise and nutrition), happy life !

The 12 Weeks #ChooseToChallenge for Women Health & Well Being is part of the UN SDG Advocacy Movement to spur national interests, commitment and actions towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, within this Decade of Action. The Activity is composed to achieve the following Sustainable Development Goals;

SDG 2: Zero Hunger through the work of the FAO on food and nutrition
SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being, through the work of UNFPA on the sexual reproductive health of women
SDG 4: Gender Equality through the work of the UNDP under the Women in Leadership
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the work of the UN in partnership with the private sector.

The 12 Weeks #ChooseToChallenge for Women Health &Well Being is an initiative that aims to undo unhealthy habits and to create a sense of self-care and self-love for everyone to embrace a healthier and active lifestyle. The Challenge was launched in commemoration of International Women's Day and will complete its 12 weeks by the end of June 2021.

The 12 Weeks Challenge is an initiative led by the UN Resident Coordinators Office with the support of the FAO, UNDP and UNFPA in close partnership with the MY Fit Samoa.