Women need to work together, to meet and to network, and to review women's progress, Hon. Frederica Fatafehi Lapaha Tuita told a large gathering of women for the International Women's Day Centenary celebration held at the Queen Salote College Hall in Nuku'alofa on March 8.

Keynote speaker on the international theme, "Access to education, training, science and technology is the pathway to decent work for Women", the guest of honour, Hon. Frederica, quoted the Minister of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture Hon Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki, "that to achieve excellence, equity, access, relevance and sustainability we need to work together."

She noted the celebration of the International Women's Day in Tonga and the fulfilment of the Declaration by the General Assembly of the United Nations is that March 8 is to be observed as the International Women's Day.

"There were two reasons why a day is dedicated exclusively to the celebration of the world's women, she said.

"Firstly, to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress, and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom, require the active participation, equality and development of women. Secondly, to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security."

Hon. Fatafehi concluded, "I am sure we all agree that the Women's Day symbolism has a much wide meaning. It is an occasion for us to meet and network and also review how far we have progressed."

Training

Polotu Fakafanua Paunga, the chair of the International Women's Day National Planning Committee in a welcoming address said the international theme this year lies in the heart of Government strategies towards vocational training, science and technology.

It was also a priority for other government ministries, including the Ministry of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports MOTEYS and also the New Zealand and Australian Government with the millions invested in a TVET four-year program implemented by MOTEYS.

Jointly funded by AusAID and NZAID, TVET was set up to assist the Government of Tonga to promote the delivery of demand driven vocational education and training in order to assist Tonga's economic development and market competitiveness.

School leavers

Polotu also said that a recent study conducted on the Expenditure on Education in Tonga showed only 10 percent of the primary school students enrolled would complete secondary school level.

She said the other 90 percent - that is about 1000 students - leave school at the Forms 4 and 5 level annually with no formal educational qualification.

"These 1,000 school leavers will need to find vocational training to undertake. This is crucial and school leavers, especially women and girls, will need the encouragement from parents to support them in whatever fields they choose, whether it is technology, science, engineer, marine, agriculture or economics.

"And whether they are boys and girls the unconditional support from home and the outreach advice of vocational training providers is crucial to the future of Tonga," Polotu said.

Certificates

Through the International Women's Day Tonga Essay Writing competition six students from various high schools were awarded with certificates and equal merit cash prizes for essay writing under this year's theme, including: Kueili Tonga, Tonga College F2, Vaohoi Moala, Tonga High School F6L; Lavinia Pahulu, Tonga High School F4; Palu Vulase Teumohenga, Tonga High School F3; Maliasita Christine Mechelle 'Ali, Tonga High School F4; and Mele Hemani Falepaini, Ocean of Light F5.

The International Women's Day, Tonga, also conducted a television debate on the theme: First round: " 'Oku tokolahi fe'unga ha kakai fefine 'oku nau fili ki he ako fakatekinikale mo ako ngaue 'i Tonga ni?" and the Final: " 'Oku faingofua ki he kakai fefine kenau ma'u faingamalie kihe ako fakatekinikale mo e ako ngaue?"

First prize for the debate event went to the youth group "Speedy Kru" and the second prize for debating went to the Olafou Youth Development Training Group.

An exhibition of training providers was display at the Queen Salote College Hall.

The event was organised by the International Women's Day National Committee, that included representatives from the Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission, ANZ Bank, Westpac Bank of Tonga, Vava'u Press Ltd (Matangi Tonga Online), Gio Recycling, Community Representative, Talitha Project, Radio and Television Tonga, Langafonua 'a Fafine Tonga,and the Ministry of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture.