Women's rights in Tonga, as compared to the United Nations goals of CEDAW, fail to comply entirely with the conventions requirements.
[7] Tonga's rich and ancient culture dates back an estimated 3000 years when the Tongan archipelago was inhabited.
The Anga Fakatonga has preserved a rich and ancient culture that has codified law and social norms within today's current Tongan society.
The Api, or basic order of Tongan society, is based at the root of oldest male control over a family group.
[10] It could be argued that an increase in educated male and female population couples has balanced the decision making shared between both husband and wife.
The Tongan Government has made recent efforts and commitments in reform and acceptance of some of the rights promoted by CEDAW.
[11] "This does not give authority over adults and does not interfere with parents' rights and responsibilities in relations to matters affecting their children.
This cultivation technique historically and presently has revolved around the importance of women and their responsibility for much of the labor burden associated with it.
[14] The Solicitor General, 'Aminiasi Kefu pledged in early March 2012 initiatives set to protect women.
A pledge was also made that adoption of a "no drop policy" be enacted for all cases of domestic violence pending an investigation, and prosecution if conclusive evidence is found of bodily harm, indecent assault, incest or rape.
[13] In 2013 the Tongan legislature passed a Family Protection Bill which gave police the ability to issue immediate protection orders, establishes procedures to informing victims of their rights and procedures, and created a committee to monitor implementation of the bill.
The parliament is the governing body that has historically and even in recent years rejected CEDAW, in an effort to protect the Anga Fakatonga.
There are some male political participants including the former Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, who have said that they support the CEDAW.
Women however do have a voting voice as of 1951 when the late Majesty Queen Salote Tupou III amended the constitution allowing this right.
[8] Women still struggle to gain any access to these 9 available seats due to social norms and cultural attitudes.
Tonga has made specific goals in the development of women's rights that should comply more with the measures of CEDAW.