By Katalina Siasau
Tonga's enrolment rate for girls in primary education stands at 99%, with 68% in secondary education. "The numbers reflect the ambition and capability of Tongan women, yet they also remind us that there is still work to be done," said the Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Sinai Tu'itahi.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs marked International Women's Day on 3 March, at Ancient Tonga, Nuku'alofa, with the theme: "Marching forward women and girls with bravery."
The Minister spoke on the theme, saying it is not simply a call to action, but a commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl in Tonga and the Pacific has the opportunity to succeed.
In Tonga, statistics from the last census shows that women have made significant strides in education.
However, she acknowledged the disparities faced by women in Tonga with low representation in parliament and a need for more economic empowerment. There is a concerning rate of physical abuse of women.
Women in workforce
From the latest Labor Force Survey 2023, women now make up 47.2% of the employed workforce.
Among other major occupational groups, the female contribution for holding senior or middle management positions is about 37.3% while 80% of clerical support workers are women.
Challenges persist as 53.8% of women are employed in the informal sector.
"This shows that there is still a need for more economic empowerment," she said.
Women in Parliament
"Women's representation in Parliament remains at just 7.1% - a reminder that we must continue to break down barriers to leadership."
"Equally concerning is the reality that 16.9% of Tongan women age 15-49 have reported experiencing physical and / or sexual violence by the intimate partner in the past year, as reported by UN Women Data," she said. "These figures serve as a call to action. Bravery must be met with support and resilience must be met with opportunity."
Attending the event were 14 women's groups from Tongatapu who were awarded economic empowerment grants from MIA.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho were the guests of honour.
