22/08/2013 15:10
The 8th of March is the International Women’s Day commemorated globally. This Universal annual event was held at the Davina House, Ma’ufanga. Women from all walks of life were there to witness and support marking this important day. Members of the clergy, diplomatic corps, distinguish guests also graced the commemoration event with their presence.
The event was led by a prayer, then the welcome speech by the CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mr. Lopeti Senituli. Services providers then talked about their services offered. These NGOs were the Ma’a Fafine mo Famili (MFF), Tonga National Centre for Women and Children (TNCWC), Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), and the Domestic Violence Unit of the Ministry of Police from the government.
This year’s theme was “Real stories, Real women.” Case studies were presented as witness and evidence to the increasing rate of violence and abuse that women and girls were subjected to.
The highlight of the day was the launching of booklets that documented real stories of real women by the Guest of Honour, Hon. Frederica Fatafehi ‘o Lapaha Tuita. She also acknowledged the works of the organizing committee, service provider, MIA, and other stakeholders for the collective effort made to make this event possible.
Women of Tonga joined together with women around the world in crying and plea to recognize their rights to live a violence free society. It is our roles to ensure that all possible mechanisms are there to help and assist women and girls who are at risk and vulnerable to abuse and violence.
The WCCC hoped that by using these real stories and statistics presented might influence the decision makers in ways to improve daily lives of women and girls.
