WCCC’s ULOA Community Strategy: Mobilising Collective Leadership to End Violence, Abuse and Discrimination and Promote Gender Equality, Equity and Human Rights

Overview

The ULOA Strategy, rooted in a traditional outer island fishing technique, reflects WCCC’s belief in collective action – where no one is left behind, and everyone contributes to a just, violence-free Tonga. ULOA represents a unified approach to ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) through inclusive, values-based community mobilisation.

1. Mobilising Women as Community Change Advocates

Women are the heart of ULOA. Through targeted training, WCCC equips local women to become Community Change Advocates who lead prevention efforts, speak out against gender-based violence and champion safe spaces. Training includes:

        •       Survivour-centered advocacy

        •       Human rights and feminist leadership

        •       Conflict transformation and local governance

        •       Building safe, inclusive and accountable community networks

2. Male Advocacy for Gender Equality

Recognising men as critical allies, ULOA engages male leaders and community members through transformative Male Advocacy Training focused on:

        •       Deconstructing harmful gender norms

        •       Understanding power and patriarchy

        •       Promoting respectful relationships and positive masculinities

        •       Active roles in ending VAWG and supporting survivors

3. Youth Leadership & Advocacy Training

Young people are catalysts for generational change. WCCC’s youth-focused programs include:

        •       Peer leadership training on human rights and gender justice

        •       Safe technology and digital rights education

        •       Creative expression for advocacy

        •       Intergenerational dialogues on culture, identity and equality

4. Training for Key Agencies and Frontline Responders

WCCC delivers intensive, cross-sectoral training to frontline agencies and community institutions to strengthen coordinated prevention and response. Areas covered include:

        •       Human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion

        •       Participation, accountability and community engagement

        •       Understanding and applying the National Referral Pathway

        •       GBV in emergencies and disasters (e.g., cyclone, pandemic, displacement)

        •       Addressing technology-facilitated GBV and online safety protocols

Impact & Reach

Through ULOA, WCCC reaches rural, outer island and marginalised communities, promoting a culture of safety, respect and shared responsibility. The strategy centres lived experience, honours cultural identity and builds long-term community-owned and led solutions to end violence against women and girls and promote gender equality.