01st October 2018 The Women’s Division under the Ministry of Internal Affairs is hosting a one-day validation workshop for the Finalisation of the publication ‘Tonga – Gender Equality: Where do we stand?’ at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel.
The workshop aims for the division to share the publication’s draft with key stakeholders and seek their validation, inputs and comments prior to printing.
The work on the publication began mid last – year, where a one-day inception workshop was conducted to seek views and guidance on framing the publication.
Government Statistician Dr. Fifita said the draft publication provides a gender statistical information and gender analysis, outlining gender disparities that currently exist under each of the six focus areas identified in the Tonga Revised National Policy on Gender and Development 2014- 2018.
“The publication will not only give us a snapshot of the gender equality status in Tonga, highlight challenges and gaps in resources, information and statistics, but also show us some progress that has been made in regards to Gender Equality.”
“As a government, we recognise the challenges that inhibit the progress towards substantive gender equality and as a response we have and continue to implement initiatives that has and will benefit the lives of both Tongan men and women. Despite facing limited human and financial resources, we have made positive advancements towards the achievement of gender equality.”
He told participants that the government is committed towards progressing gender equality and this is reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), SAMOA Pathway, Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDG) and in the adoption and endorsement of the following:
- Revised National Policy on Gender and Development of its Strategic Plan of Action (2014-2018)
- Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration and
- Revised Pacific Platform of Action
He noted that they recognise that a lot of work is required to progress gender equality specifically in the area of women’s political participation and representation in decision making bodies, increasing employment opportunities in Tonga and minimising NCDs in Tonga.
“We realise that with renewed efforts, increased budgetary allocations and strengthening of existing services, mechanisms and facilities will greatly improve the status quo.”
He stated that this workshop will give them an opportunity to discuss what gender equality looks like in Tonga and the opportunities we have and clarify our roles in bridging data, information and statistical gaps.
“We hope that today will also give us an opportunity to discuss how we can collaborate better to identity measures for accelerating progress and implementation of gender equality commitments in Tonga.”
A Statistic Research Officer from SPC is also here in Nuku’alofa to assist MIA and stakeholders. The workshop is funded by Australian Aid and the Pacific Community
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication