Seventeen Tongan women have embarked on a transformative leadership journey to reshape the future of sport in the Pacific.
The Pacific Women in Sports Leadership Program officially started in Nukuʻalofa on Tuesday, drawing together 17 women from across Tonga for a three-day workshop focused on cultural identity and leadership in sport.
The initiative is delivered by Pasifika Sisters in Sport (SiS) and Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA), with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Hon. Sinaitakala Tu’itahi, Tonga’s Minister for Internal Affairs, opened the programme, emphasising that “true leadership is about serving others.”
Participants heard from key sports leaders, including Netina Vea, CEO of the Tonga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee (TASANOC), who encouraged attendees to embrace boldness: “If you want to change the environment you work in, you have to step up and be bold. Step out of your comfort zone!”
Leitu Sa, Acting High Commissioner from the New Zealand High Commission in Nukuʻalofa, also delivered opening remarks, underscoring New Zealand’s commitment to gender equity and leadership development in the Pacific.
The programme aims to empower 20 women in Tonga and 20 in Fiji through mentorship, cultural knowledge exchange, and leadership development that directly benefits their home communities.
The programme continued through Thursday, with sessions designed to encourage collaboration, deepen cultural connections, and equip participants with tools to lead in sport and beyond.
