It is important to ensure girls and women “are not raised in any form of abuse whether mental or physical,” Tonga's only woman Member of Parliament Hon. ‘Akosita Lavulavu said as Tonga celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child on Tuesday, 11 October, for the first time.

She was a guest speaker at an event held at St Joseph's Business College, organized by the Talitha Project, an organization that aims to stop violence against women and girls.

The day brings attention on addressing challenges girls face world wide as well as in Tonga.

Talitha Project founder, Vanessa Heleta said, “We are really excited because this issue also falls within the project to also look at the vulnerabilities of girls lives.”

Hon. ‘Akosita said it was important to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

“Our young women are future mothers. It is our responsibility to educate and provide opportunities to young girls and women so they have a better future,” she said.

It was even more important to ensure girls and women “are not raised in any form of abuse whether mental or physical”.

According to the United Nations, there is insufficient investment in the second decade of a girl's life to address challenges such as obtaining quality secondary or higher education, avoiding child marriage, protection against unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, gender-based violence and having access to information and services on puberty and reproductive health.

In Tonga, the Talitha Project has been active in empowering girls and women and only recently opened a new 'drop-in' center that provides a safe and supportive meeting place for girls and young women to discuss issues they are facing. They are also able to participate in development and empowerment activities.