"She Leads Fale Alea 2025" Officially Launched to Empower Tonga’s Future Women Leaders

She Leads Fale Alea 2025, a program for young women, was officially launched on Monday 28th of April by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua. The initiative, first introduced in 2018, continues to champion women's leadership by providing a unique platform for young women to actively engage in politics, public service, and national development.

Joining the event virtually from New Zealand, Lord Fakafanua congratulated the new cohort and emphasized the vital role of young people — especially women — who make up half of Tonga’s population. “Your leadership is not just a future vision; it’s a current necessity,” he said, encouraging participants to move beyond mock parliaments and step confidently into real leadership roles.

Elizabeth Kite, founder of Take the Lead Tonga, reflected on the program's journey and impact over the past seven years. She highlighted its distinction as the only initiative of its kind in the Pacific Islands. This year’s theme, "Sustainability and Resilience," urges young leaders to remain grounded in community, ready to face global challenges, and committed to creating lasting change.

The launch also featured inspiring words from Hon. Ruuta Babo Nemta, Deputy Speaker of the Kiribati Parliament. “You are here to take the lead and be the voices of the voiceless,” she told participants, encouraging them to aim high — whether in politics, health, or business.

Tuia Altangerel, UNDP Pacific Office Representative, praised She Leads Fale Alea as a model of how opportunity and mentorship can unlock the leadership potential of young women. He called for continued investment and representation to ensure women’s leadership thrives across the region.

Supported by key partners — including UNDP, UNODC, the Embassies of Switzerland and China, Tonga Development Bank, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Youth Division — the program provides hands-on leadership development, internship placements, and access to employment opportunities. Many past participants credit the initiative with inspiring them to finish school and pursue public service careers.

Hon. Dulcie Tei, Tonga’s only elected female MP, closed the event by declaring She Leads Fale Alea more than just a program: “It’s a movement — one that is transforming the landscape of leadership in Tonga.”
Representing the 2025 cohort, Prime Minister Lesieli Huihahau expressed her gratitude to supporters and urged her peers to lead with purpose, integrity, and resilience: “Together, we are shaping a stronger, more inclusive Tonga for generations to come.”