Celebrating women’s achievements and forging a more gender balanced Tonga was the focus of a luncheon to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme ‘Balance for Better’ today, 8 March, organized by the Bank South Pacific at Davina House.

Women in the private sector, non-profit organisations, and civil service attended the event along with students from tertiary institutions and various high schools around Tongatapu.

Acting Minister for Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries (MAFFF), Hon Losaline Ma’asi, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Tiffany Babington, and Climate Change and Disaster Management Specialist, Dr Netatua Prescott Taufatofua were the guest speakers at the luncheon.

Hon. Losaline Ma’asi said the theme 'Balance for Better' directs Tonga’s focus toward economic empowerment for both men and women in our economic sphere.

“Economic empowerment of men is usually stronger and weighs far more to the men than women in our society with land hereditary, and access is only available for women through lease,” she said. “However, that does not hinder the striving of women to excel in economic activities.”

She said there is an increase of financial support provided by the banks and financial institutions to empower women in their micro-business activities.

Being the only female minister, she also said Tonga needs more women in politics.

“We need more women to become women candidates and female MPs, and women ministers.”

“In this way, we will be able to better address the gender needs of the most vulnerable people of our society. We need more women to become leaders in our society.”

HE Tiffany Babington said women in the Pacific and across the globe continue to face hardships.

“Financial inequality, career inequality, racial inequality, expectations around child bearing and the roles that women should play, the list goes on.”

She said personally she also faced inequalities over her career such as salary inequalities with her male counterparts.

Dr Taufatofua said we needed to notice the absence of women in executive roles and build on gender balance.

“At the 24 government agencies and departments, including parliament, there are only two women CEOs. Of the 17 members of parliament, there are only two women and one of them is a Minister.”

“Let’s build on gender balance Tonga.”

Death

During the event a minute of silence was held in memory of a successful Tongan business woman and Honorary Consul for Finland, Adiloa Fifita Latu, who passed away earlier this week.

International Women's Day is held annually on 8 March to celebrate the achievements of women in all areas including, social, cultural, economic, and political. it also aims to eliminate discrimination against women and campaigns for more gender equality.