Fourteen women from Tongatapu’s central district successfully completed a one-week tailoring training program organized by the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED).
Led by certified instructor Lavinia Egbert, the initiative targeted women in the informal sector, providing foundational tailoring skills to foster small-scale business ventures.
The training was part of MTED’s broader strategy to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth.
“There is great joy and gratitude because, following this training, opportunities are opening up to earn some income to support the family,” said one participant.

The program focused on equipping attendees with basic tailoring skills, encouraging them to consider formalizing their businesses.
Given the program’s success, participants expressed strong interest in advanced training to further develop their expertise.
MTED plans to expand its support for entrepreneurial development in Tonga, with initiatives like this paving the way for women to achieve greater financial independence and economic resilience.