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A Grassroots Model That’s Working – and Growing

Ha’apai, Tonga – The Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), through its community movement arm Fefine To‘a, is excited to continue the rollout of the Women’s Solidarity and Empowerment Fund in Ha’apai – a growing initiative that’s proving to be one of the most effective and user-friendly ways to support women’s groups at the grassroots level.

This is not just funding. It’s a shift in how we listen to women, trust their leadership, and resource their solutions.

Born out of the voices and experiences of women affected by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, the fund was created to fill a critical gap – ensuring women are not left behind in recovery, resilience and development efforts.

And it’s working.

From Houmatofua to the outer islands, women’s groups like Fetakinima ‘a Fefine Houmatofua, led by Mele Siale, are putting their ideas into action:

“This fund gave us confidence. It’s not just money – it’s a sign that our voices matter, our plans matter and we’re trusted to lead.”

Simple, Accessible and Driven by Women

What makes this fund different? It’s designed to be simple, community-led, and responsive to what women actually need. No long, complicated processes. No hoops to jump through. Just trust, support and solidarity.

WCCC sees this as a blueprint for women-led development across Tonga.

“We’re proud of how the fund is working – because it’s built from the ground up,” says WCCC’s ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki. “It’s been shaped by the women we serve. That’s why it’s working.”

Australia’s Support – and a Call for More Partners

WCCC is deeply grateful for the support from the Government of Australia, which has believed in this initiative from the start. At a recent gathering in Ha‘apai, Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Ms. Erin Gleeson, said:

“We need more women in Parliament, and I believe that here in Haʻapai, women are leading their communities – and that’s a powerful indicator of change. Women have come out strong to change the story. That’s what we need to see more of.”

As the rollout continues, WCCC invites others – donors, community leaders, and allies – to join this growing movement. Together, we can expand the fund across Tonga and ensure more women’s voices are heard, respected and resourced.

Women supporting women. Communities growing stronger. That’s the power of solidarity: Takanga ‘Etau Fohe!