Photos from 'Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki

The Tonga government's decision to ratify UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was welcomed by Tongan women's rights advocate 'Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki who was in New York for the announcement at the UN last night.

“I feel so overwhelmed with happiness - for all the women of Tonga and future generations - we have done it!” said 'Ofa today.

Tonga's Minister for Internal Affairs Hon. Sosefo Fe‘aomoeata Vakata presented Tonga's statement to the 59th UN Commission on the Status of Women at the UN General Assembly Hall on 9 March. He announced that the Government of Tonga had decided that it was now ready to ratify CEDAW, although with some reservations.

Tonga's delegation led by Hon. Feao Vakata, included Mahe Tupouniua (Ambassador to the UN - Tonga Mission), Suka Mangisi (First Secretary Tonga Mission), and Tupou Fakakovikaetau (Principal Officer Womens' Affairs - Ministry of Internal Affairs) and 'Ofa, the Director of the Women and Children’s Crisis Centre.

The Minister also stated that Tonga acknowledged the important support that the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) had given the Government in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

He also recognized and acknowledge the important support and advocacy of the civil society, including women’s and community-based organizations and feminist groups within Tonga, such as the Langa Fonua ‘a Fafine Tonga, the National Centre for Women and Children, the National Women and Children’s Crisis Centre, and the Ma'a Fafine mo e Famili in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Tonga.

‘Ofa said there were “lots of great accolades for Tonga” for the commitment to CEDAW. Tonga is one of only seven countries that have not signed the convention.

“A lot of government delegations who were present came up and congratulated the Minister,” she said.

Many of the them learned of the decision at a luncheon roundtable meeting hosted by Palau, Australia, and New Zealand's UN missions.

“The roundtable was an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made towards gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the Pacific region, and to engage in a discussion on the remaining challenges,” said 'Ofa.

The accolades came from:

• Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash,
• Minister for Women, Hon. Louise Upston,
• Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja,
• Minister for Women, Youth and Social Affairs, Hon. Tangariki Reete,
• Minister Women, Community and Social Development, Hon. Tolofuaivalelei,
• Ministry of Internal Affairs -Secretary Molly Helkena,
• Ambassadors from PNG, Solomon Islands, Palau, Nauru.