Tonga Gender Statistics Profile 2021
The journey of a Tongan woman through education, employment, family life, and community participation, offers important insights into the nation’s progress toward gender equality and inclusive development. The Tonga Gender Statistics Profile 2021, based on 2021 Tonga Population and Housing Census data, helps provide a clearer and more evidence-based picture of that experience.
The data show that women in Tonga are pursuing education at higher levels than men, with more women than men attaining tertiary qualifications. Yet, despite their qualifications, women remain underrepresented in the labour force, with 43% of them in the labour force compared to 56% of men. This gap points to broader issues such as access to economic opportunities and the balance between paid work and unpaid care responsibilities.
The findings also highlight the important role of women in maintaining household stability and economic wellbeing. Female-headed households are increasingly visible and are more likely to receive remittances, demonstrating the strength of women’s financial and social connections.
Fertility trends continue to evolve, with both men and women having fewer children compared to 2016. This shift reflects wider changes in health, education, and family planning.
These insights are more than numbers, they help us understand how gender shapes daily life in Tonga. And they call us to action: to use evidence to inform policy, address inequalities, and support a more inclusive future for all.
The Tonga Statistics Department is proud to release the Gender Statistics Profile 2021 and accompanying Factsheet, and encourages all stakeholders, across government, civil society, and the public to explore and use the data to drive positive change.
