Australia’s Pacific Women board members visit Ha’atafu women’s group projects in agriculture ^Featured

This morning, the members visited Ha’atafu village to observe a women’s agricultural project that had been supported by Australia’s Direct Aid Program. The women’s group also received Employability Skills training through the Tonga Skills program.

The Australian High Commissioner, HE Adrian Morrison, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, the Honourable Losaline Ma’asi, also attended the site visit. There was also an opportunity for the grassroots women’s group to showcase their handicraft and fine mats, which provides economic assistance for their families.

Kathy Klugman, the First Assistant Secretary for the Pacific Strategy Division in Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was also in Tonga this week. She was pleased to see successful Australian initiatives on the ground especially for women in rural areas.

During their time in Tonga, the board members met with female chief executive officers from government ministries, directors of civil society groups and Tongan women leading in various fields. They also visited the Women and Children’s Crisis Centre, Tonga National Centre for Women and Children, and the Family Protection Legal Aid Centre – all supported by Australia.

Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development commits up to AUD 320 million over 10 years to 14 Pacific Island Forum member countries, including Tonga. The program aims to improve opportunities for the political, economic and social advancement of Pacific women. Australia is committed to stepping up its engagement in the Pacific, and Tonga.