A first for the Blue Pacific as the Honorable Minister for Infrastructure Semisi Sika launched the Tonga Women in Aviation network and its charter last week.
Minister Sika said, “By launching the Tonga Women in Aviation Network the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Civil Aviation Office affirms its commitment to international aviation standards and programmes to advance women’s leadership, workplace conditions and career advancement. This initiative by the Ministry complements the recently adopted Tonga’s Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGET)III Policy , Policy by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Gender Division.”
This was launched during the Women’s Workshop on Strategy, Influence, and Leadership that convened in Tonga from the 8th-10th of March 2026. The inter-agency network brings together the Ministry of Infrastructure Civil Aviation Office, Tonga Airports Limited, Lulutai Airlines, New Zealand Airlines, Palu Aviation Services, Air terminal Services and Fiji Airways to promote a gender equitable aviation workforce and career growth for women and girls in this sector.
Hon. Minister Sika added, “I want to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by women in aviation in building a more sustainable and resilient, safe and affordable transport system. Tongan women contributions enable economic growth. These are important priorities in the WEGET III Policy which aims to promote equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for women and men. I also acknowledge and thank the Australian Government for supporting the establishment of the Tonga Women in Aviation Network.”
The Australia Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Executive Director James Ramsay said “The Australian Government through P4A is working with Pacific governments and industry partners to establish women in aviation networks. These inter-agency networks in the Pacific will ensure women’s voices are the center of aviation policy development.”
The Tonga Women in Aviation Network aims to inspire women in the Tonga aviation industry. Building on their motto Women in Action (WIA), this network hopes to break barriers and create a platform for women to engage in policy and workforce culture change.
On 27th March the Civil Aviation Office organized a fun walk event for women from across the aviation industry. Now, formalized the network will provide continued opportunities for mentoring, leadership training and policy engagements. There are plans to deliver activities including school outreaches to inspire the next generation of aviation workforce in Tonga.
The Australia- Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) Program is proud to support inter-agency women in aviation networks in the Blue Pacific. P4A is an Australian Government initiative supporting Pacific governments and partners to build a safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector.
