Tonga Practice Parliament for Women 2025 concludes with strong calls for women’s voices in national policy
18th September, 2025
The Practice Parliament for Women 2025 (PPW 2025) has concluded its two-day sitting with resounding calls for stronger inclusion of women’s voices in national policy and decision-making.
Guided by the theme “Women’s Voices for Sustainable Solutions for Tonga,” participants endorsed the Outcome Statement 2025, passed two public Bills, and adopted five significant motions aimed at addressing education, health, governance, and women’s empowerment.
The two Bills passed during the sitting focused on increasing funding for the Tonga National University (TNU) to enhance its academic programs, and dedicating more resources to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which remain one of the country’s most pressing health challenges.
Among the five key motions adopted were proposals to introduce Temporary Special Measures (TSM) seats for women in Parliament, provide counseling services for frontline health workers, restructure schools by returning Forms 1–2 to middle schools and reinstating the Class 6 National Exam, reserve 30 percent of government scholarships for outer island students, and establish an Independent Committee to review the Ministry of Health’s performance.
In a further push for women’s economic empowerment, members endorsed a resolution to allocate one-third of constituency funds (TOP $100,000 annually) to provide women with access to low-interest loans. Organisers said this measure would encourage entrepreneurship and help women contribute more effectively to Tonga’s economic development.
“When women raise their voices, they do so not only for women, but for families, communities, and the nation. Their leadership is practical, inclusive, and sustainable,” the organisers noted in a joint statement.
Participants closed the session by calling on Lord Speaker Fakafanua to formally table their recommendations in Parliament for debate. They said the move would be an important step toward recognising “the collective wisdom of Tongan women.”
For many women, PPW 2025 was a transformative experience.
Mele Satini Finau (Tongatapu 1 MP, PPW 2025 Prime Minister Designate) described the program as deeply rewarding, adding that women’s perspectives are crucial to policymaking. Finau said she plans to work closely with the Tongatapu 1 MP to support their constituents in any way possible and highlighted the importance of mechanisms such as Temporary Special Measures (TSM) but must work in collaboration with men for more women’s representation in Parliament.
Lose Taukapo (66), Bay ‘O Manumataongo said she valued the opportunity to learn about the legislative process firsthand, encouraging women candidates to “compete bravely and on equal footing with men.”
Meita Ului (Vava’u 16 PPW MP), a primary teacher, shared how she overcame her initial fears and gained confidence to stand up for women’s issues. She said the program made her realise the power of women uniting to lobby for change.
‘Amelia To’a (Ha’apai Noble’s Representative) said the practice parliament gave her deeper insight into parliamentary procedures and equipped her with skills to better support community development projects. She stressed that balanced leadership between men and women is vital for national progress.
Participants highlighted the important role women play in advancing social policies such as education, health, childcare, and gender equality—issues that benefit families and communities across Tonga.
PPW 2025 was both a capacity-building exercise and a showcase of the inclusive leadership women can bring to Parliament, concluding with renewed calls for greater women’s participation in politics.
The event was kindly supported by the UNDP through the Pacific Parliaments Effectiveness Initiative, with funding from the New Zealand Government, Australian Government, and the Chinese Embassy in Nukuʻalofa, the Balance in Power in partnership with the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.