At 74 years old, Anaika from the community of Kolomotu‘a in Tonga still begins many of her days working alongside other women in the village greenhouse, tending seedlings that will soon be distributed to households across the community.
A widow for more than two decades and mother of five children, Anaika has dedicated much of her life to supporting her family and uplifting others around her. Today, her work continues through the activities supported by the JP RWEE, where she volunteers her time helping community members grow vegetables and strengthen local food security.
“I am happy for this opportunity,” she says. “Even though I am older now, I still have the energy to work with the women of my community.”
Anaika believesthe strength of Kolomotu‘a lies in the commitment of its women. In fact, she estimates that more than 70 percent of those actively engaged in community initiatives are women who contribute their time and skills to improving the wellbeing of families.
Under a joint greenhouse initiative between the Climate and WASH Resilience Community project, funded by the EU, and the JP RWEE, the programme provided training and tools to support the development and management of the greenhouse nursery.
Through this initiative, the women’s committee has begun planting a variety of vegetable seedlings that will soon be shared with households capable of growing and maintaining them. The goal is not only to improve nutrition but also to encourage neighbours to share produce with others in need.
“We have already planted several trays of seedlings,” Anaika explains. “Soon we will distribute them to families who can grow them and share them with others in the community.”
However, community work is not without its challenges. Maintaining the greenhouse requires daily attention, including watering plants and ensuring seedlings grow strong enough to be transplanted. For Anaika, leadership often means setting an example.
“You have to stand up and work so others can see,” she says. “When people see you doing the work, they are encouraged to join.”
Beyond the greenhouse, Anaika practices what she teaches at home. She grows vegetables and fruit trees in her own yard, helping reduce the household cost of food while also creating small income opportunities.
One of her most successful crops is the Vi (Ambarella/June Plum) fruit tree, which she has grown for more than thirty years. By implementing skills developed with years of selling other products and engaging in small-scale income generating activities, she sells seedlings and harvested fruit, generating small but meaningful income.
“I sell some of my Vi every two weeksand sometimes earn about 100 paʻanga (approx. USD 41),” she says. “It helps provide food for our family.”
For Anaika, self-reliance is essential. While her children living overseas sometimes offer support, she prefers to remain independent by using the skills and resources available to her.
“I think of ways to earn a living without relying on others,” she says. “Even small things like selling fruit or vegetables can help.”
Her efforts also reflect a deeper issue affecting many women access to land in Tonga. Under Tonga’s land system, land rights are typically held by men. However, as a proactive community member, Anaika has taken steps to secure land through long-term leases, allowing her to develop small plots for gardening and future investments.
“I understand that land rightsare usually for men,” she explains. “But women can still find ways. I have applied for two leased properties so I can plant trees and build something for my family.”
For Anaika, land security represents more than personal independence. It also provides stability for future generations.
“If the lease is confirmed, I can plant trees and developthe land,” she says. “Evenwhen I am gone, my children and grandchildren will continue the work.”
Over the years, she has also witnessed significant changes in the role of women in Tongan society. Decades ago, she says, women were often expected to remain at home. With the JP RWEE implementing initiatives that empower women economically and socially, it also supports a bigger shift - today, many women pursue education, careers and leadership roles within their communities. Men also support their spouses in these initiatives, contributing to the improvement of their household livelihoods.
“Women todayare stronger and more independent,” Anaika says. “They study, work and support their families.”
Yet Anaika believes that empowerment is not only about individual success—it is about helping others grow as well.
“What empowerment means to me is strengthening others,” she says. “If I have experience, I should share it so other women can learn too.”
Through her volunteer work, Anaika regularly shares vegetables, fruit and even simple meals with neighbours, particularly widows and families in need.
“This community work does not give us money,” she says. “But we share what we have with others.”
For Anaika,the true valueof the programme lies in its ability to bring people together and create opportunities for women to support one another.
The programme is promoting active participation and collaboration of community members in initiatives such as home gardens and the greenhouse nursery. These initiatives encouraged community members to work together, share knowledge and support each other's efforts.
Training and consultation under the JP RWEE also bring people together by providing opportunities for participants to learn from one another and offer mutual support. Through these sessions, community members collaborate towards achieving common goals, further strengthening teamwork and shared understanding.
“My hope for the future is simple,” she says. “I want a better life for my family and for the community. That is why I continue to work hard every day.”
