Empowering women in business by giving them the opportunities through training to start, grow and develop their businesses was the aim of a two day "Women in Business" Financial Management workshop in Nuku'alofa on April 27-28.

Organised by Westpac Bank of Tonga in partnership with AusAID the workshop is aimed at increasing women's participation in business through building opportunities for education, networking and relationship building.

Attended by local entrepreneurs who own small to medium businesses in Tonga such as an Internet Cafe, a tourism resort at 'Eua, a public relations firm, and employees working for private companies and NGOs.

Westpac Bank of Tonga Acting General Manager, Carmel Butler said according to key findings from research done by AusAID last year it showed that women in business were largely underrepresented in the labour force with lower participation than the male counterparts, which stood at 74.6 percent in comparison to only 52. 7 percent for women

"With such indicators it is necessary to focus on growing women's participation in private enterprises by giving them the necessary skills to start and develop their business," said Carmel.

The workshop facilitated by Bronwyn Lawson of Westpac saw participants being trained in financial matters such measuring financial performance, cash flow management and financial management.

Guest speakers included Carole Gransbury from the Australian High Commission who advised on the role of AusAID and the programs available. At the same time Tricia Emberson the owner of 'Alatini Fisheries also talked about her experience when she started her business some 20 years ago, the barriers she faced, the challenges she met and how she addressed them.

Meanwhile, a second Women in Business workshop will follow in August later this year.

In addition are Financial Community Workshops that would also be held in Nuku'alofa in June and November and in Vava'u in September this year.