Thirteen Tongan women leaders were named by the Fi-e-Fi-a ‘a Fafine Tonga (FFFT) to celebrate 2021 International Women’s Day and its theme,'Women in Leadership: achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world'.

The women leaders were selected from six various sectors of the public service to business, faith-based, youth, community and the political sector.

The Minister of Internal Affairs (responsible for the Women’s Sector) Hon. Vatau Hui presented them with Certificates of Recognition and bouquets on March 8.

Chair, Betty Blake said they were very happy FFFT was able to contribute in marking this important day by recognizing the huge achievements and contributions to society by these women.

One of them is the Minister for Health, Hon Dr 'Amelia Tu’ipulotu (who was not able to attend). She is Tonga’s first female Health Minister recognized for her leadership in the critical health sector as Tonga is one of the few countries to remain COVID-19 free.

Recognised from the community sector were Lady Tuna Fielakepa of the women's organisation, Langafonua-‘a-Fafine Tonga, and Vika Kaufusi, Havelu’s Town Officer.

From the political sector were Papiloa Foliaki, a former Member of Parliament, and Losaline Ma'asi, a politican and current Member of Parliament.

Women leaders in the business sector were Robina Nakao, CEO for Fexco Tonga Ltd./Western Union and Katalina Tohi, Managing Director of BroadCom Broadcasting.

From the faith sector were Sister Kalo Sikimeti, a former Director of the Catholic Education System and Rev. Dr. Sela Taufa, Director of FWC Women.

Dr Lia Maka CEO for Public Service Commission and Vika Fusimalohi, a former Minister and Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Commerce were selected from the public service sector.

Kerry Lepa a Youth leader/Agricultural Science tutor and 'Ana Malia Falemaka were selected from the youth sector.

The event held at the Tonga Broadcasting Commission studio, was attended by the Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Adrian Morrison, New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington and other guests.

The Fi-e-Fi-a ‘a Fafine committee members include Fuiva Kavaliku of the Tonga National Women & Children's Center (TNWCC) as Vice-Chairperson with Keasi Pongi of the Civil Society Forum of Tonga as Secretariat; 'Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki from the Women & Children Crisis Center, Vanessa Lolohea of the Tonga National Youth Congress, Mele 'Amanaki from the Public Service Association, Lepolo Taunisila from the Balance of Power and Rev Dr 'Ungatea Kata.

The International Women’s Day program was supported by Parliamentary Commonwealth Fund and Balance of Power, an Australian Government funded program.