The formation of a new organization to support Tongan women in business has been "a challenging and exciting journey culminating in the establishment of our organization, WISE - Women in Sustainable Enterprises with 166 registered members," the President Robina Nakao, told the first Annual General Meeting of WISE Tonga Inc. on March 1.

Robina said that the WISE initiative was conceived only in 2010, at a workshop on 'Economic Opportunities for Pacific Women in Business', held in Vanuatu, that was co-sponsored by the International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and AusAid.

In less than two years the Executive had drafted and adopted a Constitution, and with IFC support had written a Strategic and Business Plan.

The WISE initiative was officially launched in July 2011 with a business showcase market day, for the inaugural membership of 140 women in business, in both the formal and informal sectors, with Guest of Honour Hon. Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki, Minister of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture.

Robina said that since then donor partners had agreed to support WISE programmes in various ways.

There was confirmation of a training allocation of $20,000 for WISE members from the Tonga Business Enterprise Centre (TBEC) funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme.

WISE had on February 29 recruited Naomi First, a Business Development Adviser, through the Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) organization of New Zealand.

"VSA NZ have also confirmed their long term commitment to WISE in terms of ongoing volunteer personnel, and a second volunteer is due to start next month," said Robina.

"WISE as an organization is in its infancy . . . and we look forward to a proactive organization whose work, rather than words, will achieve its objectives, by facilitating accelerated and enhanced outcomes for you on your journey in business."

The executive members elected at the AGM last night were: President, Robina Nakao; Vice President Lee Miller; Seceretary Sela Bloomfield; Deputy Secretary Taiatu 'Ata'ata; Treasurer Vanessa Heletā; Assistant treasurer Malia Tonga; Executive committee members, Papiloa Foliaki, Vika Fusimalohi, Meli Fiu, Salote Jenkin; and Technical advisor-media, Mary Lyn Fonua.

Women in Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) Tonga Inc., creates greater business opportunities for women in Tonga.