Twenty-six young women had the opportunity to conduct a mock parliament session as part of Girl Takeover Parliament Day in Tonga today, 2 November, at Tonga Parliament in Tofoa.

This is the first such program hosted by Tonga Youth Leaders (TYL) in partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Council and Jasiri Australia Initiative to allow young women and girls the opportunity to voice their perspectives on matters of national interest in a parliament setting.

TYL said the program would increase participants' awareness of the functions, the rules and procedures and the ways in which they could contribute to decision making at the parliamentary level. They would be able to learn about the concepts of democracy, good governance, transparency, and accountability.

It also aimed to show the world the benefits of unleashing girls' potential and inspire more women and girls to enter politics as well as to pursue leadership positions, and open up organisations to fresh perspectives.

By taking over and becoming politicians for a day, young women can show the next generation of leaders that they have what it takes to change the world.

It is estimated that around 70 per cent of the world’s poorest people are women and girls and the Pacific region also holds the lowest number of female members in Parliament. In Tonga, there are only two women in Parliament. 

TYL stated that by placing girls in positions of authority, this national action will seek to transform power relations to see that all Tongan young women and girls “learn, lead, decide and thrive”.