Siale 'Ilolahia says the early election in November is an opportunity for Tongan women to come forward.
There is just one-woman MP in the current parliament - and only five have been elected since 1951.
She said a recent call for more women to become politically active resulted in 40 attending a meeting and eight women signalled their intentions to stand in November.
Ms 'Ilolahia said the challenge now was to support the women, and hopefully others, to sign up as candidates.
