This training has brought together strong young activists from around the Pacific to share and discuss important issues that Pacific women are facing today. Having the opportunity to participate empowered me more as a human rights activist which also enlightened me and gave me skills which I could put into use here at our centre – the Women and Children Crisis Centre in Tonga.

It was inspiring to share with the other participants true stories about women here in Tonga who experience domestic violence, rape and other types of abuse. In addition, being able to share with others about our present law here in Tonga such as our limited rape law, women not being able to own land and other relevant issues that highlight gender equality.

Speaking with others has given me a clearer view of what is happening to women across the globe. It is not just women in the Pacific that are treated in such ways, women across the globe face the same situation. Women are discriminated against as a result of being born female.

The new ideas and knowledge learnt from this training will be put into use here at our centre. At the moment as a Research officer for the WCCC we are conducting a research based on sexual assault here in Tonga. This will help promote and protect the rights of women and therefore give justice to women who are physically and sexually abused. I also hope that it will inform the development of a new system that encourages more people to report and prosecute for these significant crimes.

Lu’isa Samani

GEEJ Pacific and Africa discussions are available at DAWN Informs December 2010 Issue.