A core group of 10 young women gained insight and shared experiences and recommendations on Young Women's Safety and Protection Priorities during disasters and humanitarian crises. 

The three-day workshop in Nuku'alofa, which ends on September 4 is run by Talitha Project in partnership with the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO).

Talitha Project Founder, Vanessa Heleta said it is important to empower young women to lead in times of any disaster, knowing they have responsibilities and roles to contribute to society. 

"This is very timely, as we are getting closer to 2020 /2021 cyclone season. The participants have experiences from Tropical Cyclone Gita and Tropical Cyclone Harold and it's crucial that they provide their recommendations on how disaster management and humanitarian action can be more disability inclusive."

However, the first step is understanding the national disaster management and humanitarian coordination mechanisms and exploring ways as young women on how to creatively and proactively influence and engage, she said.

Young Women are also empowering each other and fostering resilience during COVID-19.

“At the end of we want the participants to share their knowledge with their peers and communities,” said Vanessa.