Eighteen women contested the Local Government Elections in Tonga recently.
And according to results released from Tonga Electoral Commission to the Women’s Division, two women have been successfully elected – the first ever female District Officer from ‘Eua (‘Eua Motu’a District) out of the two District Officers, Sisifa Fili and the first ever female Town Officer for Tongatapu from Havelu, Vika Kaufusi.
Another four other women were placed second position, one for District Officer (Hihifo District, Vava’u) and three for Town Officer (Ha’alalo&Ha’atafu, Tongatapu and Matamaka, Vava’u).
This significant achievement allows for these women to be deputized and in a position to be Acting District and Town Officers.
Since March during International Women’s Day, the Women’s Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs together with key stakeholders of the civil society under the International Women’s Day National Planning Committee held various workshops, training and meeting sessions to encourage women to stand as candidates in their local districts.
There were 11 women registered in Tongatapu alone, nine for Town Officer position and one for District Officer position. From Vava’u, there were five women registered, four for Town Officer and one for District Officer. There was one woman who registered from Ha’apai for Town Officer and one from ‘Eua for District Officer position.
The Women’s Division said it looks forward to continuous efforts with the civil society and the successful candidates to assist and work towards the greater development of women in leadership positions but also in advocating good leadership and governance at local and national level.