Date: 30 Jan 2024
Local government elections (for District and Town Officers) for Nukunuku village
Can you briefly introduce yourself – how did you come to interact with BOP?
My name is Milise Vaiangina. I am 59 years old. And I was recently a candidate in the town officer elections for Nukunuku village, which is on the western side of Tongatapu. I heard about Balance of Power (BOP) through its collaboration with FI-E-FI-A ’a Fafine Tonga (FFFT) of which I am a registered member. As I learned more about BOP, and especially the work it does with FFFT, I became more confident and inspired as a woman leader in my community. I became excited about the possibilities for positive change that I could help facilitate in my village and beyond.
Tell us how your interaction with BOP has influenced you as a woman leader?
I now identify as a woman leader in my community, and I can attest to the fact that the influence of powerful and inspiring women can be life-changing. This was exactly the case for me when I heard a promotional message on the radio by BOP and FFFT. Listening to the perspectives of women who were exercising leadership and making significant impacts in their communities truly sparked something within me.
At that moment, I realised that I too, could make a difference by seeking out opportunities to lead and serve. Inspired by the words of those women I heard on the radio, I decided to stand in the town officer elections in my community. While the journey was far from easy, the lessons and experiences I gained were invaluable.
Most importantly, my interaction with BOP allowed me to recognise the power of women supporting other women. By hearing the stories of successful women, I was empowered to become one of them and to encourage others to do the same.
I am forever grateful that BOP inspired me to be a candidate in the town officer elections; the experience and exposure of campaigning pushed me out of my comfort zone, and has impacted my views on leadership. Despite not being elected as a town officer, I am now more than ever committed to using my leadership abilities to serve, inspire, and empower others in my community.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to women’s political leadership in Tonga?
When we consider the barriers that prevent women from achieving and holding leadership positions in Tonga, it becomes clear that the biggest challenge is the mindset of both men and women. This mindset comes from traditional Tongan culture, which has very strict gender roles and expectations that limit the opportunities available to women. There is a prevailing view that women are less capable and qualified than men when it comes to positions of leadership and power. I believe this attitude is reinforced by cultural norms that prioritise male leadership and discourage women from pursuing leadership opportunities.
There needs to be more awareness-raising from programs like BOP and FFFT, to encourage a more inclusive and equitable platform for women in Tonga to realise their leadership potential. There is still a long way to go. However slowly but surely – through persistence and partnership with communities – we can shift attitudes and mindsets towards women’s leadership.