By Katalina Siasau

International Women's Day was celebrated in Nuku'alofa today, with a call to ‘Build her skills’ and support women in technology training, by women from across government ministries, NGOs, the private sector and community with an event held in the Nuku'alofa CBD, hosted by the Women's Affairs and Gender Equality Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Acting CEO for MIA, Polotu Paunga said, “It is so pleasing to see Tongan young women entrepreneurs, women experts and specialists in their fields of work."

The theme for this year’s IWD: "Build her skills: Invest in Women and Technology."

“This is not only a global movement but also locally, we can invest in girls in school, and women in workplaces and at home, supporting and helping them in using technology," she said.

She noted that MIA is collaborating with Tonga Women in ICT, to conduct a training in technology, e-safety, and computer skills, with 40 women community group representatives, who will be the first cohort of the training.

Inspiring Women in technology

The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Tonga National University, Dr. Tangikina Moimoi Steen spoke on the theme. "The achievements of women can inspire others to strive for the same." 

She quoted the computer pioneer and naval officer, Grace Hopper: “A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for. Sail out to sea and do new things.”

The Minister for Internal Affairs, and Minister responsible for the Women affairs and Gender equality division, Lord Vaea, called for men to join in supporting of women in developing their skills and knowledge in technology.

Lord Vaea recalled his participation at the 67^th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where the theme was “Innovation and technological change and education in the digital age”, for achieving gender equality for all women and girls.He said Tonga stood with fellow members in reaffirming that it is essential that all women and girls not only benefit from technology, but also participate in the process of the design, application, monitoring, and evaluation stages of technology.

In February this year, a technology-facilitated gender-based training was piloted in Tonga, with 30 frontline workers participants.

“Today is really important, not only are you women of the country and of our homes, but you are also set out to be a big part of development in technology, in Tonga."

The celebration included a tauolunga by Miss Heilala Sitita Va'enuku, and the Tonga Police Brass band.