13/03/2026
International Women’s Day - Give to Gain: Women’s Rights, Access to Justice and Action
Women’s Voices Soar in Song for International Women’s Day
Nuku’alofa, Tonga - 8 March 2026
The Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) proudly hosted its sixth International Women’s Day Music Event with a special Musical Prayer Night, lighting up the evening with the powerful voices, presence and solidarity of women from across Tonga.
This year, 13 vibrant singing groups from Tongatapu and an additional four special performances - came together in a moving celebration of womanhood, faith, resilience, and collective strength. Through music, prayer, and powerful messages, the night became a bold and joyful expression of women rising together, standing together, and being heard.
Held under the joint theme “Give to Gain - Women’s Rights, Access to Justice and Action,” the event called attention to the importance of creating space for every woman’s voice to be valued and every woman’s rights to be upheld. WCCC reaffirmed its belief that every woman deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and able to access justice - including women with disabilities. Adding a powerful layer of inclusion to the evening, WCCC staff, with the guidance of Lupe Puloka also signed “Happy International Women’s Day” and the event themes, demonstrating that this movement must reach and include every woman.
The celebration was further elevated by the presence of two exceptional keynote speakers, whose words stirred, inspired, and challenged those gathered.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Tonga, Mrs Alison Gow, also attended the event, reaffirming Australia’s continued commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality in Tonga. Her presence underscored the strength of partnership in advancing the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.
The first keynote speaker, Sr Malia Simione Pale, one of the first qualified counsellors in the gender-based violence field and a true pioneer in this space, delivered a deeply inspiring message. As a mentor to many counsellors, including those at WCCC, she reminded the audience that giving can produce meaningful change and that while “trials are different from challenges,” both can be overcome through love, compassion, and perseverance.
Also addressing the gathering was Mrs Fuiva Kavaliku, a respected trailblazer who has spent many years working alongside women in communities and championing their role in development. She spoke passionately about the power of women supporting one another, noting that when women come together, they create opportunities, overcome barriers, and learn the true meaning of both giving and gaining through shared effort.
With generous support from the Australian Government, the event was made possible as a vibrant celebration of women’s voices, leadership, and collective power. WCCC extends its heartfelt thanks to Australian Aid, all participating singing groups, supporters, guests, and every woman who helped make the evening such a moving and memorable success.
This was more than a musical night. It was a declaration - that women’s voices matter, women’s rights matter, and when women rise together, communities grow stronger. In the words of WCCC’s Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, “When women stand together, their voices become impossible to ignore - and that is where real change begins.”
Media Contact:
Julie D Taufa
Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC)
📞 +676 22240
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