In the Pacific Tonga is very lucky because women are well respected by men because of our unique culture despite the developments of this century, the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho said yesterday.

As keynote speaker for the Tonga celebration of International Women's Day, the Queen Mother noted this year's theme "Investing in Women and Girls - Valuing Women's Work" and said this is evident in the displays of handicrafts and weaving of women's valuable work.

"The result of your work is very beautiful and I am very happy to witness its fruition and to celebrate this important day," she said.

 

Youth

The Queen Mother's support for the traditional position of women in Tongan society was also advocated by the youth representative who spoke on the theme.

'Ana Petelo a representative of the youth and a student at the Tonga Institute of Higher Education emphasized the importance of women and their duties.

She said women are mums who are born with a natural love for her child, women are also teachers and it is known worldwide that if the mother is happy and loves her children they will become reliable members of society.

"She is a teacher of life to her children and a mother is the foundation as the famous saying goes behind every successful man is a woman," she asserted.

Other thematic speakers were Joyce Mafi, the Governor of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga and Tuna Fielakepa, technical advisor to the Langafonua 'a Fafine Tonga. See Governor urges Tongans to encourage women to reach their highest potential [2].

Celebration

The Queen Mother who was the guest of honour also inspected the colourful displays of women's handicraft and food stalls.

She was accompanied by HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Princess Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho, Hon. Tuita, Hon. Lupepau'u Tuita and Hon Alaileula Tuku'aho.

The Queen Mother also awarded certificates to the best handicraft stall won by the Catholic Women's League of Havelu, the best food stall by 'Ana Takiloa and the best lunch pack made by 'Ofa moe Fakatu'amelie from Fua'amotu.

Entertainment was performed by the students from the Tonga Institute of Higher Education.

The program also showcased a fun fashion show displaying colourful puletaha and traditional wear that featured Tonga's Miss Valentine Miriam Ngaue, and prizes were awarded by the New Zeaand High Commissioner Ms Christine Bogle.

International Women's Day which involved the participation of several hundred women from various NGOs and other organisations was co-ordinated by the Ministry of Education Women's Affairs and Culture Unit, with support from the IWD Planning Committee and sponsors, including the Australian High Commission, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, the New Zealand High Commission, Westpac Bank of Tonga, Fund Management Ltd, the Tonga Development Bank, Captain Cook Apartments, Tonga National Youth Congress, TCC, 'Uta'atu & Associates, Vava'u Press Ltd., Punjas, Billfish Bar and Restaurant, and GIO Recycling.

Meanwhile, Vava'u celebrated IWD for the first time this year with their own celebration held on Saturday in Neiafu.