Tonga Women in ICT

Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT) is a non-governmental organization based in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, focused on promoting women’s participation in information and communication technology (ICT), digital literacy, and STEM education. The organization works to increase digital inclusion, support women in technology careers, and promote safe and responsible internet use across Tonga and the Pacific region.

TWICT conducts community outreach programs, digital literacy training, youth innovation initiatives, and cyber safety awareness campaigns. The organization collaborates with government agencies, international development partners, and educational institutions to support digital capacity building in Tonga.

History

Tonga Women in ICT was established in 2018 following informal networking discussions among women working in Tonga’s technology sector. The initiative initially began as CocoNECT (Coconuts Connecting through ICT), a small peer network aimed at connecting women working in ICT and encouraging greater participation by women and girls in the technology sector.

The idea emerged after Tongan ICT professional Seluvaia Kauvaka attended a regional ICT networking event and recognized the absence of similar initiatives supporting women in technology in Tonga. After returning to Tonga, she organized an informal meeting with several women working in the field to discuss forming a support network. The first gathering involved seven women and was held informally over coffee in Nukuʻalofa.

As interest grew, the initiative expanded into a national platform promoting digital skills, mentorship, and collaboration among women in technology. The organization later adopted the name Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT) and formally registered as a non-governmental organization in Tonga in 2021.

Founder

Seluvaia Kauvaka is the founder and president of Tonga Women in ICT. She is an engineer and digital development advocate with experience in telecommunications, public sector technology initiatives, and community digital literacy programs.

Kauvaka established TWICT to address the gender gap in the ICT sector in Tonga and to create opportunities for women and girls to develop digital skills and participate in the digital economy.

Mission

The mission of Tonga Women in ICT is to empower women and girls to participate in the digital economy through skills development, mentorship, and community engagement.

The organization aims to:

Increase women’s participation in ICT and STEM careers
Promote digital literacy and digital entrepreneurship
Support youth innovation and leadership in technology
Raise awareness of cyber safety and responsible internet use
Bridge the digital divide for rural and outer island communities

Programs and Activities

Digital Literacy Training

TWICT organizes training programs for youth, entrepreneurs, and community members focused on developing practical digital skills such as computer literacy, online communication, productivity software, and digital design tools.

Cyber Safety Awareness

The organization conducts workshops and community outreach programs focused on cyber safety, cyberbullying prevention, and safe internet practices. These initiatives are delivered in schools and community settings across Tonga.

Youth and STEM Engagement

TWICT promotes youth participation in science and technology through workshops, innovation events, and mentorship programs aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers in ICT and STEM fields.

Community Outreach

The organization works with communities across Tonga, including rural areas and outer islands, to expand access to digital knowledge and technology awareness through community workshops and talanoa sessions.

Government MOUs

TWICT has a MOU with the Ministry of MEIDECC to support with works under Digital transformation, Cyber safety and Cyber security, Communications and many more.

Regional Engagement

TWICT participates in regional ICT and internet governance initiatives and collaborates with Pacific and international partners on digital development programs.

Partnerships

Tonga Women in ICT collaborates with a range of partners including government ministries, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and international development partners to implement programs focused on digital literacy, gender equality in technology, and youth empowerment.

Headquarters

Nukuʻalofa, Tongatapu
Kingdom of Tonga

External Links

Official website
https://totwict.org/

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonga-women-in-ict-twict-b824873a7/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083222176057

References

APNIC Blog. “Women in ICT: Free coffee, first step to change in Tonga.”
https://blog.apnic.net/2018/08/03/women-in-ict-free-coffee-first-step-to-change-in-tonga/
International Cyber Development Program. “Tonga Women in ICT: Thriving in the New Normal.”
https://www.icdp.com.au/2020/12/01/tonga-women-in-ict-thriving-in-the-new-normal/
Commonwealth of Learning. “Tonga Women in ICT: A Beacon of Empowerment and Innovation.”
https://www.col.org/news/tonga-women-in-ict-a-beacon-of-empowerment-and-innovation/
Tonga Women in ICT. Official Website.
https://totwict.org/