UK and Australia commit to achieve gender equality for women and girls in Tonga [1]
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - 19:13. Updated on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - 19:20.
A high-level visit to Tonga by the Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality, Stephanie Coupus-Campbell AM and Alicia Herbert the UK’s Special Envoy for Gender Equality was jointly hosted by the Australian and British High Commissions from 11-14 October.
The visit coincided with “International Day of the Girl” when both Australia and the UK reiterated their commitment to working with Tonga in achieving gender equality and human rights for all women and girls.
Special Envoy Alicia Herbert said, “It was an honour to meet women in agribusiness and agricultural development, health workers, business leaders and young women and girls in Tonga. Championing the rights of women and girls is at the heart of the United Kingdom’s Women and Girls Strategy, and in particular ending gender-based violence.”
Both countries stressed the importance of protecting, promoting and fulfilling human rights through partnership and collaboration.
During the visit, Australia also launched key partnership grants with long-standing civil society organisations in Tonga, including Ma’a Fafine mo e Famili (MFF).
MFF Director, Betty Blake and Chair of the Board, Lopeti Senituli accepted a secured core funding from Australia, to support their services for Tonga’s elderly community.
The Women and Children’s Crisis Centre (WCCC) launched their next phase of partnership with Australia during the visit. The Centre is leading the way in providing counselling and support services for survivors of violence.
Ambassador Stephanie Coupus-Campbell said that Australia is proud to support and fund the delivery of core services and to work with the communities to end gender-based violence.
“Gender-based violence is a global issue. It is present in every country, and a key priority for Australia both at home and working with our partners in the region,” she said.
During their visit, the Ambassador and Special Envoy were welcomed by government ministers, including Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, Honourable Lord Vaea, other government officials, and representatives of civil society and the private sector.