WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - 'OFA-KI-LEVUKA GUTTENBEIL-LIKILIKI
'OFA-KI-LEVUKA GUTTENBEIL-LIKILIKI
WOMENS RIGHTS ACTIVIST & FILM MAKER
TONGAN
-
Women’s rights activist, community organiser and filmmaker ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki is a courageous Tongan woman who has dedicated her life to telling stories that most people sweep under the fala. She dares to tell harrowing truths of the real life struggles of women in Tonga - survivors who she crosses paths with through her grassroots work to end violence against women and girls.
'Ofa is the Director of the Women & Children Crisis Center (WCCC) in Tonga. A space where women can turn to in a time of need. 'Ofa and her team of 25 don’t just wait for survivors to show up to doors, they work tirelessly on outreach and prevention.
The WCCC team carry out their prevention work through their concept of FOFOLA E FALA KAE FAI HA TALANGA. This means rolling out the mat and holding conversation with communities so that they can carefully unpack lives realities female survivors of violence in Tonga. Ofa and her team also use what they call a ULOA approach. Inspired by a traditional fishing method typically used by the people of ‘UIHA Ha’apai, where everyone gets involved from young to old, men and women.
“We don’t want to leave anyone out of the TALANOA because we believe violence and discrimination against women and girls is a community issue that needs to be addressed by communities, institutions and families as a whole” says Ofa.
In 2010 the WCCC, under the leadership of Guttenbeil-Likiliki, received the prestigious Pacific Community (SPC) Human Rights Award in recognition of their work in promoting women’s human rights in Tonga. The WCCC again received recognition in 2015 by being awarded First Prize in the national Human Rights Awards facilitated by SPC and the Regional Rights Resource Team. In 2012 and 2013, Guttenbeil-Likiliki was nominated for the USA Secretary of State International Women of Courage Award for her work in the area of women and children's rights in Tonga.
This strong activist and talented storyteller is an inspiration to many around the region. Her work to protect women and girls is lifesaving, and must be uplifted. We had the chance to talk to Ofa about her work and here’s how the talanoa went:
It's Tongan Language Week here in Aotearoa, is there any particular Tongan saying or proverb that you often reflect on?
‘Oua lau e kafo kae lau e lava!
A lot of people say that this proverb means ‘stay positive and count your blessings.’ Whilst this is true, I want to take it a little bit further. To me this proverb means that when you do something - do it with all your heart, soul and might AND don’t make it known that you are doing it. Don’t complain and take credit for the parts that you do. Stay humble and appreciate those around you who are also helping you achieve what needs to be done - because you can never do it alone.
It ties in with the African proverb: if you want to go fast; go alone BUT if you want to go far; go together! When you have achieved what was set out - celebrate together and stand together and give thanks to GOD for the blessings and for the people who helped you! I use this proverb with the work I do at the Women and Childrens Crisis Centre (WCCC)….
You’re currently the Director of the Women and Children’s Crisis Centre in Tonga. What is some of the work you do in this space?
WCCC operates essentially in two teams.
Response team: We have five Counselor Advocates based in Tongatapu, and 3 counselors based in each of the main outer islands of Vava’u, ‘Eua and Ha’apai. We operate the only temporary Safe House for female survivors of violence in Tonga. We also have a Registered Nurse as well as a Legal Advocate on our team.
Prevention team: We work towards eliminating all forms of violence against women, girls and children. We also stand up against any forms of discrimnation that women and girls face just because they are born female.
The past two years have been hard on the world but in particular hard on vulnerable communities, who on top of a global pandemic have had to deal with natural disasters. Have you seen a heavier burden being put on the women in our island communities?
Women will always bear the triple burden of work during global pandemics. Because of the gendered nature of labour, the home and caring for family members is almost always left to our women to carry out.
What motivates you to continue doing the work that you do?
For every single girl and woman who has shared their stories of pain and resilience, we continue to do this work for them!
I have 3 daughters and 1 son. I want them to grow up to be good human beings and to contribute to making this world a better place for all. I have to lead by example. Both my husband and I try to do our best to show that CARING for others is the best trait that they can ever have. So doing this work is my gift to my children and my many many nieces and nephews - If by doing this work can inspire them to also care for others and themselves then that is motivation enough!
How can the wider Pacific community support your work?
Follow us on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tongawccc and look out especially when there are issues we are lobbying for and get behind and support us.
Refer to us anyone who you think needs our help:
- Call 0800 444 (free toll number) if in Tonga
- Or contact us through this following FB link if you are overseas: https://www.facebook.com/counsellingwccc
