by Linny Folau

Tonga is still in the process of ratifying CEDAW - the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women. But Tonga has strong reservations on Article 2, which is the heart of the convention according to a United Nations Committee on the convention, the Minister for Education said today.

Hon. Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki was the guest speaker at a special breakfast hosted by the Tonga Chamber of Commerce Inc. to celebrate the International Women's Day 2013, on March 8, at the Waterfront Cafe and Lodge.

She said the process of ratifying CEDAW was an exercise that had been fraught with divisive emotions and misconceptions of the provisions of the Convention and their purposes. "The consultation process is still ongoing and I urge those of you who have yet to contribute to that process to hasten to do so," she said.

"Tonga has very strong reservations on Article 2, which is according to the UN Committee on CEDAW, the heart of the convention and they are reluctant to accept reservations offered by member states on that Article."

"This is the current status of efforts towards CEDAW in Tonga. Are they sufficient, I will leave that to you to decide, but the fact remains that Tonga has yet to ratify it," she said.

Hon. Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki, Minister for Education. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 8 March 2013.

Equality

Article 2 of the convention outlines obligations to eliminate discrimination that embodies the principal of equality of men and women in their national Constitutions or other appropriate legislation, and if not yet incorporated to ensure through law and other appropriate means, the practical realization of this principle.

It includes adopting appropriate legislative and other measures including sanctions, where appropriate, prohibiting all discrimination against women, to take all appropriate measures including legislation to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices which constitute discrimination against women and to establish legal protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men, among other principles.

Courage

The Minister said International Women's Day recognises and applauds all pioneering and courageous women and girls who have fought against injustice, prejudice and cruel practices in order to give others a better opportunity to live better lives, free from fear, oppression and hunger. 

"We are all aware that virtually in all societies and spheres of activity women are subjected to inequalities in law and fact. This situation is both caused and aggravated by the existence of discrimination in the family, community and workplace. The need to recognize and grant women's rights is the need for equality to be equal. True equality can only come from efforts directed towards addressing and correcting situational imbalances, the best examples are those incorporated in CEDAW."

She said women were already "awesome and do not need to apologize for the fact that they are" and "if they do so desire, they can move mountains of obstacles. But we need to do it together if we are to achieve equity for women and girls in Tonga," she said.

Present at the event was Hon. Lupepau'u Tuita, Hon. Frederica Tuita with 'Aloma Johansson the President of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce, members and guests.