Date: 30 Jan 2024
Nomuka island, Ha’apai, Tonga
Can you briefly introduce yourself: how did you hear about and come to engage with BOP?
My name is Tevita Feke Mafi, and I am from Nomuka island from the Ha’apai group of islands. I studied at the Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji and graduated in 1978. I came back to work in the Methodist Church, in the Church of Tonga, where I have been working with the youth and Sunday School members. I have been a Reverend in the Church of Tonga for over 43 years and was formerly one of its presidents from 2003 to 2012. I have interacted with BOP through my role as the Chairman of the BOP Tonga Strategic Advisory Committee (SAC). My role on the advisory committee is to help facilitate discussions, review progress of the program and give recommendations for future activity.
Tell us how your interaction with BOP has influenced your work as a reverend or pastor in the Methodist Church?
My interaction with BOP, through my engagement as the SAC chairman, has influenced my perception and view of women’s roles in our families, communities and specifically in the church. I have made sure that women are involved and play a leadership role in the church, in the youth and in the Sunday School. It is important to understand that when it comes to value and worth, man and woman are equally respected in the Bible. Both men and women are required for the full appreciation of God’s majesty; God did not create just man. The second part of the narrative in the Bible mentions how man was formed first, followed by the formation of woman. This reveals that there was a lack of something crucial until the creation of a female made from man’s rib, as two humans made in the image of God. Therefore, woman is of the same significance as man and when put together, both illustrate God’s glory more magnificently. I try to advocate this message in the church through the family unit – by emphasising the importance and complementarity between men and women in the family. A united family makes a good church, a good community, a good country.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to women’s political leadership in Tonga?
Our Tongan culture and mindset dictates specific roles and expectations for both men and women, which can present a challenge for women who are striving to be leaders, specifically women wanting to enter politics. Unfortunately, it appears that both men and women in Tonga subscribe to this way of thinking, this mindset, making it difficult for women to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. I believe creating more awareness and educational programs in churches particularly for Sunday School and the youth, and in the curriculum in schools, is one way to help increase awareness about the legitimacy of women’s leadership – changing these mindsets to see the benefits of sharing leadership roles and the value of women’s participation as leaders in the political sphere.