Abstract:
This thesis aims to provide a better understanding of the political positioning of women in Tonga today. In 1951 women were given the right to vote in the Kingdom of Tonga; however, it was not until 24 years later that a woman became a Member of Parliament. Since 1975 there have only been 9 women who have stood in parliament as a representative. To understand why women are under-represented in Tongan politics the thesis highlights the different roles and images Tongan women have in Tonga and how these impact on women’s participation in politics. Two significant perspectives are examined: the views of women who have participated in parliament and the views of women who have voted in the general elections. Both these perspectives are chosen because politics refers not only to direct participation in parliament but also to voter contribution. In exploring these two perspectives the thesis brings out and analyses the obstacles that women in Tonga face in their cultural context which are projected into the political arena thus reducing their participation in parliament. In examining the issue of voting, the thesis uncovers a distinction between ‘modernists’ and ‘traditionalists’, and attempts to characterise these two sides and their impacts on women’s participation in parliament. Since only a handful of women have stood in parliament since 2000, there is a concern whether issues and solutions regarding women are being discussed specifically by the government and in general. In conducting this research, I aim to introduce a new narrative for Tongan women, one that leads to their empowerment and hope for a better standing in society. This research is significant because it gives voice to the issue of the under-representation of women, analyses why this is happening and provides recommendations for ways forward.
