A training program to help professional women reach leadership positions was launched in Nuku’alofa on 25 August by the Asian Development Bank in Nuku’alofa.

The program will be delivered in three sessions in August, November this year and February 2016.

Fourteen women attended the first session and six more signed up for the second session with representatives from ANZ, Bank of South Pacific (BSP), Pacific Retail, Tonga Development Bank, Tonga Airports, Tonga Power Ltd, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Revenue and Tonga Handicrafts.

Vijaya Nagarajan ADB’s Gender Specialist in Private Sector Development Initiative said they were impressed by the reaction of Tongan businesses who were keen to partner with them.

“They have put forward their best and brightest women to join the program, and have agreed to support us by hosting events, speaking to participants candidly on how they can help them succeed and collaborating in a long term program which combines training, mentoring and confidence building.”

The mentoring sessions with international and Tongan mentors will be conducted online will continue to August next year.

Lynette Mayne, one of the trainers said adopting innovative approach this program has done away with the traditional power point slides and textbooks instead relies on hands on practice, developing skills and confidence of these talented young women.

Involving male champions and other leaders and experts in social media, financial planning and communications increases these women’s networks and changes their mind sets, said trainer Val Mosley

Lynette has a wide experience as CEO and board member of several public and private companies and Val brings extensive international experience as a trainer and mentor.

During the first two sessions which began on Tuesday, 15 August ANZ Tonga CEO Bernie Poort emphasized the need to encourage women to senior positions where they are not well represented.

John Paul Chapman, Managing Director of Pacific Retail said that women were the backbone of his company and it was essential to build their confidence and encourage them to apply for promotions and start their own businesses.

Leta Kami, TDB Managing Director said of the importance of networking and sustaining professional relationships for career success and encouraged participants to seek these out.