Increasing women’s leadership and equitable political representation was the message under a Tongan theme “Make it Happen, Women in Parliament” to mark the International Women’s Day on March 8 in Nuku’alofa.

Activities were held on Friday March 6 and on Sunday March 8 led by the Women’s Affairs Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC).

A television panel by women candidates discussed why none of the women candidates were successful in the 2014 General Election.

On March 8, a mass led by Cardinal Mafi was held at the Basilica.

A Secondary School cheer competition will be held in the upcoming Inter-College Sports competition to raise awareness on women’s activities.

The Tonga Government's Women’s Affairs unit stated that increasing women’s leadership and equitable political representation, was an issue internationally recognized in the Millennium Development Goal 2000-15 and also in Tonga’s Revised National Policy on Gender and Development’s Strategic Plan of Action.

“The policy recognizes the need for women in the decision-making positions and aims to increase capacity and mechanisms to allow their participation in parliament and in governance bodies.”

Celebration

On Friday March 6 the Women and Children Crisis Centre held a singing and dance competition ‘Fiefia Night’, at the Queen Salote College Hall.

Thirteen groups participated in the competition that provided a platform for women 50-years and older to perform a solo tau’olunga dance.

The Director ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki said this breaks away from the cultural norms where tau’olunga is reserved for young unmarried women.

“It is to celebrate our older women who are often forgotten but who work endlessly in all areas of women’s development.”

The women groups competed with one composition that reflected the theme “Make it Happen” relating to the National Gender and Development Policy with the Ministry, said ‘Ofa.

“While we still have a lot of work, particularly in the area of women in parliament and ending violence against women and girls. We pause on this day to make a loud statement in solidarity that, yes, we can make it happen.”

Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho and Hon Lupepau’u Tuita- Taione attended the fun event.