Women gathered in the Central Business District on 8 March to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2023 held under a theme, 'DigitALL: Innovation and technology for Gender Equality'.

The event started with a happy parade led by the Tonga Police brass band from the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua to the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

The theme for this year has a focus on the inclusion of women and girls in technological change.

Progress

Tongatapu no. 6 People’s Representative to the Legislative Assembly and guest of honour, Dulcie Tei, in her address spoke of the importance of technology and addressed how far Tongan women have come, celebrating their successes and achievements.

“To date, many Tongan women have broken the thick glass ceiling."

“A Tongan woman is in the Privy Council, in the Supreme Court, Parliament, in local government and are engaged in professions previously deemed only for men, such as agriculture, architecture, engineering, meteorology, and so on."

However, she said there remained a lack of representation, lack of participation, lack of opportunities, lack of voice.

"I don’t doubt that these lacks do exist, however International Women's Day is about celebrating and acknowledging women’s achievements and successes and these ...are what we can build upon to progress equality further in areas, where these lacks still remain,” she said.

The MP said the numbers of representation may still be low “but we have to acknowledge the strides taken and the unwavering efforts made by passionate individuals, groups and organizations who continue to change this narrative.”

This year's theme "dares us to be more inclusive through the use of technology, it prompts us to be more intentional and create in our approaches, so no one is left behind so that progress and development in all spheres of life and development is inclusive.”

She said that there could be more progress made, to include those in the rural areas, the marginalised and most vulnerable groups.

Technology: friend and enemy

Acting CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Dr Fotu Fisi'iahi in his opening remarks said this is an important day of celebrating women, under this year's theme.

He said the role of digital, innovation and technology in promoting gender equality is obvious, “but we have to be very careful, it can be a good loyal friend, but if we fail it will become our worst enemy.”

The event was attended by the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu and many guests, including members of diplomatic corps. It was organized by the IWD Planning Committee chaired, Dr Tangikina Moimoi Steen and Secretariat with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

An exhibition was also held.

The theme for this year is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 67^th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), 'Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.‘ This aims to bring women and other marginalised groups into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality.