Tonga Police held its second Open Day to mark International Women’s Day 2017, connecting young students and young police recruits under an international theme, 'Be Bold For Change' where everyone has a responsibility to make changes for a better world.

Class 6 students from the Maamaloa Primary School, Hilliard Memorial School and St Francis of Assisi Primary School participated in an essay competition to educate boys and girls about respect for each other and ending violence against our women and children.

The essay winner was Fololina Fifita from Maamaloa Primary School, awarded by the New Zealand High Commissioner HE Sarah Walsh. 

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell said they opened their door to the public, to share their vision for a safer community and show some of the things they do on a daily basis to help keep the public safe.

"For the young people before us, the Police role is to protect and help you to be safe and grow into good citizens."

He said this year's theme ‘Be Bold for Change' means having the courage to do what is right, not to accept the way things are but ask how they should be and work together for a better world.

"As I look out at our young children and indeed our young police recruits, we all have a responsibility to their future to act now to make the necessary changes for a better world."

He said one of the changes is about family violence and acknowledged the work of the Women and Children Crisis Centre and the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children.

"On this important day, International Women’s Day we must all do our best to end Family Violence, to help break the cycle of violence in our homes."

The International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March annually.