Tonga’s Speaker of Parliament has officially launched She Leads Fale Alea 2025, encouraging young women to step into leadership.
The She Leads Fale Alea program, launched on Monday by Lord Fakafanua, continues to champion women’s political participation and leadership development in Tonga.
Speaking virtually from New Zealand, Lord Fakafanua congratulated the new cohort, stressing the urgent need for young women’s leadership. “Your leadership is not just a future vision; it’s a current necessity,” he said, calling on participants to move beyond mock parliaments into real-world roles.
Elizabeth Kite, founder of Take the Lead Tonga, reflected on the initiative’s seven-year journey, calling it the only program of its kind across the Pacific. This year’s theme, “Sustainability and Resilience,” challenges participants to drive lasting change amid global uncertainty.
Deputy Speaker of Kiribati Parliament Hon. Ruuta Babo Nemta urged the young leaders to be “the voices of the voiceless”, inspiring ambitions in politics, business, and health.
Tuia Altangerel from the UNDP Pacific Office praised the program’s impact, saying it shows “how opportunity and mentorship can unlock leadership potential.”
Supported by partners including UNDP, UNODC, and Tonga Development Bank, the program offers internships and employment pathways.
Hon. Dulcie Tei described the initiative as “a movement,” while 2025 Prime Minister Lesieli Huihahau vowed to lead with “purpose, integrity, and resilience.”
