• wccc
• 3 Comments

Ha’apai marked a powerful chapter in women’s leadership today with the successful hosting of its first-ever Women’s Sub-Fono at the Maama ‘o Mamani Hall of Taufa’ahau and Pilolevu College. More than 75 women from the main and outer islands of Ha’apai gathered for a vibrant day of dialogue, visioning, and solidarity – and for WCCC, it was a particularly moving moment to walk on Ha’apai soil and witness history in the making.

Guests of Honour at the opening ceremony were the Governor of Ha’apai Dr Pita Taufatofua and Her Excellency, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Tonga, Erin Gleeson.

For the first time ever in Ha’apai’s local governance history, five women leaders – one District Officer and four Town Officers – stood proudly together at the same time, united in leadership and purpose. This is a powerful milestone not only for Ha’apai but for Tonga and the Pacific.

‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, Director of the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), shared:

“This is not just a milestone – it’s a moment of transformation. For the first time in history, Ha’apai has five women holding formal local leadership roles at the same time. These women are not only serving their communities – they are reshaping what leadership looks like in Tonga. This is history written by women, for women, and with women at the forefront.”

Session One: Women in Leadership Speak

The first session featured moving reflections from the five women leaders who responded to a recent community survey and offered strategies for addressing six key priorities identified by women in Ha’apai:

• Eradicating extreme poverty

• Improving women’s health

• Advancing the rights of the girl child

• Ending violence against women and girls

• Promoting women’s education and skills

• Economic empowerment of women

Nau Molisi, District Officer of ʻUiha, called for unity amongst the women and the need to have a shared vision. “Women have big hearts and helping hands, imagine what we can do together. Put God first, be loyal, humble, and truthful. That’s how we’ll move forward.”

Toekava Puleʻanga, Town Officer of Kofu, added, “We are living in extreme poverty. But as a leader, I choose to live on the same level as my people, so I understand their needs. This Fono unites us – we must think and work together to rise above poverty.”

Lupe Kulikefu, Town Officer of Haʻateiho Siʻi, made a strong call for reserved seats for women in Parliament, stating that women’s voices must be heard at the national level, “women do most of the work in our home and communities – we know what needs to be done – so why not run for Parliament!,”

Ha’apai’s Governor, Dr. Pita Taufatofua, echoed these sentiments, encouraging women to advocate for funding and representation: “There will come a time when someone will open their hand to help build Ha’apai.” He also advocated and supported reserve seats for women in Parliament.

Her Excellency Ms. Erin Gleeson added: “Women bring different perspectives. As mothers and leaders, they are the thread that stitches communities together. Let’s support and vote for women to enter Parliament.”

Session Two: Collective Action and Solidarity

In the second session, women broke into seven groups to discuss Ha’apai’s path forward. Their ideas and recommendations formed the foundation for selecting eight women representatives who will carry Ha’apai’s priorities to the National Fono in 2026.

A mother from Nomuka reminded all present of the strength in unity, saying:

“When one woman falls, all women fall.”

Her words reinforced the importance of women’s solidarity in overcoming systemic challenges.

This historic Women’s Sub-Fono is not only a celebration of women’s leadership in Ha’apai – it is a trailblazing moment for Tonga. It shows that even in a country where women’s political representation remains low, grassroots processes like the Women’s Sub-Fono can open powerful new pathways for women’s voices to influence national decisions.

WCCC extends heartfelt gratitude to DFAT for supporting this transformative journey.