Tonga joined other Member States of the Pacific Islands Forum in adopting, as...

"Tonga joined other Member States of the Pacific Islands Forum in adopting, as an important part of the PIF Communique this year, a Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration."

"It sets a valuable political platform for investing in empowering and encouraging women and young girls as a vital part of Tongan society and the region's future."

"We thank Australia for her investment in 'Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development'."

"Steps taken to promote and protect the interests of Tongan women and gender equality include:

* the extension of paid maternity leave within the Public Service from 1 to 3 months,

* Government approval to draft legislation on Violence Against Women and Children to be tabled during this Parliamentary session,

* Government approval for the conduct of nationwide consultations to reach a consensus with a view to considering the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),

* the launch of a National Study on Domestic Violence Against Women, and

* most recently the launch last week of a Social Welfare Scheme for the Elderly, for those over 75 years of age."

"Without genuine improvement in gender equality, Member States will continue to struggle to achieve real progress towards meeting their MDG commitments and beyond."