An MP in Tonga says programmes to help women are still not getting any support from the government.
Ilaisa Taunisila is in New Zealand to take part in an Asian/ Pacific Women Parliamentarians' and Ministers' conference in Wellington.
MPs from the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga and Samoa have been at the two day meeting.
Violence against women, the lack of women MPs in Parliament and HIV/AIDs were some of the concerns raised at the conference.
Mrs Taunisila says the government needs to make some major changes.
"I feel that if a change in government from the absolute monarchy to a more democratic for of government - that will help women being more empowered and that will be a chance for more women to get into parliament"
