In May 2025, the Langa Fakalakalaka ‘a Fafine Tonga programme was launched to advance cultural preservation while expanding opportunities for women to earn and lead. Organised by Langafonua ‘A Fafine Tonga with support from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and funding from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the initiative brought together 50 women for intensive training in handicrafts, business development, leadership, and legal literacy.
The week-long workshop in Nuku’alofa covered mosikaka weaving, human rights and gender-based violence laws, legal aid processes, financial literacy, and e-commerce. The one-week format accommodated the limited availability of Their Royal Highnesses and the nobles’ wives, whose participation lent visibility and greatly contributed to the programme’s success. To maintain momentum, weekly mentorship sessions at Langafonua continue to provide space for weaving, sewing, cultural exchange, and business discussions.
All 50 registered participants completed the workshop, with an additional ten women joining voluntarily. Many reported greater confidence in leadership and public speaking, alongside new skills for marketing and selling their crafts. Some groups have already started collaborating online to reach customers through Facebook.
Participants described the training as transformative. One woman shared that she now understands her rights and where to seek assistance, while another said she feels prepared to formalise her craft sales online. Others highlighted the importance of weaving with quality and precision, ensuring that traditional skills remain relevant and valued in today’s markets.
The programme revealed a strong appetite for extended business and financial training and the need for translated, culturally adapted resources to ensure inclusivity. Organisers recommend expanding to Tonga’s outer islands through a train-the-trainer approach and collaboration with local NGOs and government agencies.
By linking cultural heritage with practical business skills, Langa Fakalakalaka ‘a Fafine Tonga is opening new avenues for women across Tonga, building both confidence and livelihoods that can be sustained into the future.