Date: 27 Aug 2025
The official launch of Trailblazers – Ko e Fakataulama Ma’ae Kaha’u, a book celebrating the leadership stories of Tongan women, was held Tuesday night 26 August, at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Officiated by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tu’imatamoana Fanakavakilangi Tuku’aho, the event brought together government leaders, students, principals, families, development partners, and guests to honour women who have broken barriers in male-dominated fields and to inspire future generations through storytelling.
In her keynote address, Her Royal Highness reflected on her role as one of the featured leaders.
“This book highlights women who have led with courage, often in non-traditional roles. All these stories are unique and take you behind the professional titles to meet real women multi-tasking and contributing to the development of their families, communities, and Tonga. May these stories inspire and empower our young leaders today and, in the years, ahead,” Her Royal Highness said.
The event also paid tribute to the late Dr ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki, a pioneer in education, with a moment of silence observed by all present.
The book profiles nine Tongan women leaders: Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho; Dr ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki, a pioneer in education; Linda Simiki Folaumoetu’i, a leader in law and justice; Sisifa Fili, a trailblazer in local government; Lesieli Katokakala Lutua, Tonga’s first woman Chief Air Traffic Controller; Captain Mele Tupou from His Majesty’s Armed Forces; Lynette Mafile’o in Fire and Emergency Services; Colleen Faka’utoki in plumbing; and Melesisi Finefeuiaki, a leader in the private sector.
As part of the launch, the nine women were formally presented with copies of the book. Copies were also handed to invited guests, development partners and secondary school principals and students attending the event, ensuring that the stories will be available in school libraries for young Tongans to learn directly from women role models.
The publication was produced under the Balance of Power program, which works across the Pacific to shift attitudes towards women’s leadership.
Speaking at the launch, Jennifer Kalpokas-Doan, Co-Executive Director of Balance of Power, emphasised the importance of visibility.
“Without seeing the evidence of leadership in practice, it continues to be difficult to envision a woman in a position of leadership. This book allows young Tongans to see and believe in the possibilities for themselves,” Ms. Kalpokas-Doan said.
She also highlighted that storytelling through both print and digital platforms is key to engaging Tonga’s youthful, media-savvy population.
The Trailblazers project exemplifies Balance of Power’s approach by fostering visibility, amplifying women’s voices, and influencing attitudes toward women’s leadership across generations. The activity directly supports key program priorities: shifting societal perceptions, engaging youth, sharing knowledge through storytelling, and building sustainable partnerships with government and development partners.
Funded by the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the initiative continues to strengthen pathways for Tongan women to take their place in leadership.
The launch of Trailblazers – Ko e Fakataulama Ma’ae Kaha’u marks a significant milestone in amplifying the voices of Tongan women leaders and inspiring future generations to step into leadership roles.
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