By Sarah E. Treptow
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

NUKUALOFA, Tonga– A group of more than 50 women has started lobbying for a greater voice in Parliament.  The group wants a quota of 30 percent political representation and has started a campaign to gather support to begin the quota under the new system of government being developed for 2010.  Betty Blake of the Catholic Women’s League says the group believes mixed political decision-making would lead to a more prosperous economy.  Ms. Blake said, “We feel that women have a place, they have a lot to say.  They can contribute to the development of our country economically, socially, and any other aspects of life.”  She reports that half of the male MPs support the proposal, with one objection being the possibility of all women MPs taking maternity leave at the same time.

Polotu Fakafanua Paunga from the Women’s Affairs Division of the Ministry of Education said the primary objective of today’s consultation meeting was to discuss their proposal that will be submitted before the deadline on February 23.  He said the next step will be to draft the written submission and gather signatures.  A follow-up meeting will be held next week.  The Electoral Commission requires signed submissions from the public be made by a group of at least 200 people over 21 years of age.

Only five women have entered the Tongan Parliament since 1975, including the first woman appointed as Cabinet Minister, Hon ‘Alisi Taumoepeau.

For more information, please see:

Pacific Islands Report – Tongan Women Seek Better Representation in Parliament – 16 February 2009

Radio New Zealand International – Tongan women lobby for 30% representation in Parliament – 16 February 2009

Solomon Star News – Tongan women lobby for 30% representation in Parliament – 17 February 2009