Such abuse is seldom reported to the police. Abused wives sometimes return to their families if mediation fails. Tonga has a male-dominated society, and women generally occupy a subordinate role. For a woman to rise to a position of leadership, she usually needs to have the support of the nobility or to possess exceptional talent. The King s mother reigned for many years, and a royal princess is one of Tonga s most prominent businesspersons.
Some female commoners hold senior leadership positions in business.
Some village women, with help from NGO s, are leading local development projects. The Government has a women's unit in the Prime Minister's office. Although some NGO s initially viewed this unit with suspicion, it appears to be functioning cooperatively with them. Still, many young, educated women regard the unit as ineffective. A government-sponsored National Council of Women is making positive contributions.