The Government has initiated public consultations to review the National Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Tonga Policy 2019–2025.
Led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Women Affairs and Gender Equality Division, the consultations started last week and concluded yesterday, engaging communities across Tongatapu constituencies 2 to 8.
Ilaisaane Tu‘itupou, Deputy CEO of the Women Affairs and Gender Equality Division, emphasised the importance of participation, stating,
“The consultation results will inform the revised National Policy for 2025–2029, which will guide Tonga’s efforts to achieve gender equality.”
Facilitators from the Ministry, along with partners from Ma’a Fafine mo e Famili (MFF), the Women and Children Crisis Center (WCCC), and the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children (TNCWC), guided the sessions. Each meeting provided a platform for open dialogue on gender equality issues, aiming to identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities in the current policy.
Key priorities highlighted include enhancing the environment for mainstreaming gender, increasing women’s leadership and representation, and ensuring equitable access to economic assets and services. The policy also focuses on supporting families and communities, and creating conditions to respond effectively to natural disasters and environmental challenges.
Consultations continued on 27 May for Tongatapu constituencies 9 and 10, with sessions held from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at SUTT Fua’amotu and SUTT Talafo’ou. The final consultation for Tongatapu 1 was scheduled for 28 May at SUTT Kolomotu’a – Papai’o Uesile Hall.
These consultations are part of Tonga’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and empower women across the nation.
