By Katalina Siasau
The National Women’s Fono brought over 300 women together today, to voice concerns and opinions aimed at building women's development in the community.
The event, held at the Queen Sālote College Hall in Nuku’alofa, brought together women from Tongatapu and the outer island groups of Vava’u, ‘Eua, Ha’apai, and the remote islands of Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu, to meet with government leaders, and development partners.
The three-day fono from 8-10 July 2026, will work to develop and endorse the Tonga Women’s Platform for Action 2026–2029, a national roadmap that will guide collective action at national and community levels over the next three years.
Director of the Women and Children Crisis Center (WCCC) ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki said the fono has long been needed by women over the years.
“In many of our outreach program throughout the outer islands — women have told us many times over the last two decades that there needs to be a space for them where they can come together and voice their concerns, their thoughts, their perspectives, and opinions on women’s development in the community," she said.
The keynote speaker, HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho was touched by the gathering. She reminded the fono that they were representing all the women of Tonga.
“Women are the hearts of families, churches, and communities. They empower, strengthen, and stabilise society.”
“I hope today is the start of a tradition of fonos every three years. I wish you luck and may you have a wonderful and successful discussions."
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr Viliami Uasike Latu shared showed support from the government.
“The government of Tonga recognises that women play a vital role in the wellbeing of our families, communities, churches, businesses, and nations. When women are empowered to participate, lead, and contribute fully, Tonga becomes stronger.”
“Women are capable of doing anything,” he said.
Deputy Australian High Commissioner HE Alison Gow was impressed with the gathering of the women.
“This fono is a powerful demonstration of the strength of women’s voices," she said.
“We know that when women participate fully in leadership and decision making, communities are stronger, economy can grow, and societies are more resilience."
Mereseini Rakuita from the Pacific Community (SPC) said, “Across the Pacific, we are witnessing women leading change in their community, preserving culture, strengthening families, growing businesses, responding to disasters, protecting our environments, and serving in the position of leadership. Yet we also know that too many women continue to face barriers to full participation and decision making.”
At the core of the event, the findings of a national community survey “5,000 Women’s Voices” was presented by the Director of the Women and Children Crisis Center (WCCC) ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki.
The survey highlights that Tongan women are seeking both immediate improvements to their quality of life and long-term structural reforms. While poverty reduction, economy empowerment, health, education, child protection, and ending violence emerged as the highest priorities, women also identified the need for greater access to land and stronger political representation.
